Top Destinations to Explore Across America in 2024

Top Destinations to Explore in America During 2024

Smaller Cities in America You Might Want to Consider Exploring This Year:

Unfamiliar locales that aren't currently on everyone's travel itineraries are worth checking out this summer. These cities often preserve the charm of a small town while offering a unique personality and numerous activities for a short stay or extended visit.

For our initial list of America's Hidden Gems, we consulted our contributors and narrowed down the nominees based on several factors, including attractions, food and drink offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, identity, proximity to other interesting spots, and overall novelty. We also evaluated essential travel aspects, such as accommodation options and ease of transportation.

The cities below range in population from around 50,000 to 225,000 residents and represent the spirit of various communities that strive to enhance their towns. This is evident in revitalized neighborhoods, downtowns, and local initiatives that cater to both the mind and stomach.

Here are our 2024 selections:

10. Duluth, Minnesota

Strengths: Attractive lakeside location, outdoor activities, beverages scene

Duluth, well-known for its industrial history as a shipping port on the Great Lakes, is gradually gaining recognition as a refuge from climate change. Summers in the city, adjacent to Lake Superior, are generally mild. Duluth offers a variety of outdoor activities, a thriving beer scene, a concentration of lakeside attractions, and neighborhoods displaying homemade goods. Join the friendly Duluth residents in a communal sauna, followed by a dip in refreshing Amity Creek.

9. Knoxville, Tennessee

Strengths: Authentic atmosphere, live music, outdoor access

Knoxville, home to the prestigious University of Tennessee and its passionate fanbase during sporting events, or the 1982 World's Fair and its iconic glass tower, may not immediately come to mind. However, this eastern Tennessee city boasts a developing music scene that rivals Nashville and Memphis, delightful classic theaters, and tempting eateries. The Urban Wilderness, spanning 1,500 acres, provides easy access to outdoor adventures.

8. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Strengths: Art and design, beverages scene, outdoor activities

With a renowned sculpture park and public art throughout the town, Grand Rapids is more than just "Beer City USA." Michigan's second-largest city has a strong foundation in design, as demonstrated by museums showcasing Grand Rapids' rich heritage. The Grand River reflects the city's family-friendly outdoors attractions, with a planned amphitheater along the riverbank being part of a wider waterfront revitalization plan.

7. Macon, Georgia

Strengths: Musical heritage, cultural attractions, architecture

Macon boasts museums and a revitalized studio dedicated to its musical legacy, earning high marks for its cultural offerings. The historic downtown of Macon has been reimagined, welcoming new restaurants, bars, and a boutique hotel. With efforts to convert a site rich in history spanning thousands of years into Georgia's first US national park and preserve co-managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Macon is actively working to preserve its past while looking to the future.

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

Strengths: Dark skies, outdoor activities, stunning scenery, retro charm

Flagstaff offers sunny days, clear nights, and a chance to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, thanks to the San Francisco Peaks, national monuments, the Lowell Observatory, and Flagstaff's designation as a Dark Sky City. Route 66 passes through, offering retro accommodations for weary travelers, and downtown is undergoing a renaissance. Flagstaff's Native American history is another reason to visit.

5. San Luis Obispo, California

Strengths: Gorgeous scenery, retro ambiance, outdoor activities, wineries

San Luis Obispo embodies the laid-back vibe of old California, away from the congestion and high cost of living in popular areas like the Bay Area and Southern California. Here, you can indulge in wine trails, hiking trails, and a picturesque natural environment with the Pacific Ocean nearby, all without fighting crowds.

4. Portland, Maine

Strengths: Exceptional food scene, coastal views, outdoor activities

This historic seaport town offers an extraordinary dining experience, blending classic Maine fare with modern cuisine that has put it on the culinary map. The city's booming craft beer scene and a multitude of opportunities to get out on the water or into the woods complete the picture. Strolling the vibrant city center offers a glimpse into centuries of maritime history and the Victorian era's revival.

3. Tacoma, Washington

Strengths: Stunning location, outdoor facilities, arts scene

Tacoma's combination of stunning natural surroundings, a vibrant arts scene, and plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities make it a compelling destination. The city's revitalized downtown offers an engaging blend of modern architecture and historic charm. Museums, galleries, and parks are ready to captivate your senses and immerse you in Tacoma's rich cultural tapestry.

1. Tacoma, Washington

Standout features: Outdoor activities, art, natural beauty

Tacoma's unique position between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities within the city. The stunning cityscapes are a testament to Dale Chihuly, the local art glass master, who has left his mark on the city with spectacular sights. At the Museum of Glass, you can witness the art of glassblowing and learn about the medium's history. For a bird's-eye view of the Puyallup Tribe's sacred ancestral lands, Flightseeing tours are a great option.

2. Providence, Rhode Island

Impressive aspects: Art, architecture, design, food culture

The revitalized downtown riverfront of Providence is a marvel, the result of decades of ambitious urban development. The rivers gleam against the backdrop of the WaterFire art installation and public art can be found everywhere. Providence is also home to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design and its gallery, making it a delight for architecture enthusiasts. The city's rich culinary history, with its emphasis on seafood and Italian cuisine, and its diverse restaurants guarantee a global gastronomic adventure.

1. Richmond, Virginia

Remarkable aspects: Cultural attractions, dining, unique neighborhoods

Often overshadowed by its northern counterpart, Richmond, Virginia, or "RVA," is a city that deserves more national recognition. Richmond excels in its museums and vibrant neighborhoods, while also examining its intricate history. Its culinary scene is chef-driven and diverse, featuring more than 30 breweries and easy access to surrounding vineyards. The city's event calendar is filled with festivals, with the Richmond Folk Festival being a highlight in the fall.