This article covers the 30 Most Interesting Cities in America, allowing firsthand insight into cities that offer exciting opportunities and unique experiences for all. For a quick overview of the top 10, read our article, the 10 Most Interesting Cities in America.
The United States of America is the cultural powerhouse of our time. A nation founded on the values immigration and pioneering progress, it is a beacon of modern pop culture, free thought, and the unrelenting pursuit of the American Dream. Although slightly smaller than Europe in land area, the United States offers just as much excitement and diversity.
Booming Tourism in the US
The United States’ vibrant culture and exciting opportunities continue to attract travelers from all over the world. According to the U.S. Travel Association, air travel demand in July 2023 increased by 12% year-over-year, consistent with the previous month.
Furthermore, the United States is rapidly rebounding from the pandemic, with its tourism sector on track to reach pre-pandemic levels. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the U.S. travel and tourism sector grew by 16.9% in 2022 to reach $2 trillion. The sector also created 2.7 million more jobs compared to 2021.
In 2023, the WTTC forecasts that the sector’s GDP contribution will reach $2.2 trillion and that job numbers will total 17.4 million. This impressive growth is fueled by a strong resurgence in demand from international visitors, whose spending increased by more than 150% year-on-year to reach $115.7 billion in 2022.
Domestic visitor spending has also nearly regained its pre-pandemic levels, with figures reaching $1.18 trillion in 2022, close to the $1.2 trillion spent by domestic visitors in 2019. Measured by economic contribution and spending by international and domestic visitors, the US has the world’s largest travel and tourism sector in 2019 and 2022.
Various companies are trying to enhance the travel experience and offer exciting opportunities for international and domestic visitors. For example, in May 2023, Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE:HGV), the vacation home ownership brand, offered exclusive experiences, such as intimate concerts from entertainers like LeAnn Rimes and Joey Fatone, as well as hospitality suites at events to increase brand awareness and expand its appeal.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, plans to expand its theme park and cruise line businesses significantly.
In September 2023, the company disclosed plans to nearly double its capital spending in the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products business segment over the next 10 years, to approximately $60 billion in aggregate, compared to the previous decade.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has the most prominent global presence of any theme park travel company, with 12 parks across six sites worldwide and Disney Cruise Line, which visits 94 ports in 40 countries.
Moreover, despite welcoming approximately 100 million visitors to its theme parks each year, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) believes there is still significant potential to reach more consumers. According to internal research, the addressable market for Disney’s theme parks is more than 700 million people.
Exciting Festivals and Events in the US
Every year, the United States hosts many events and festivals that attract people worldwide. Companies often sponsor these events to generate excitement and attention.
For example, Coachella, known as the “Olympics for influencers,” returned to the United States in March, bringing various fashion and beauty brands that sponsored pop-ups at the festival and hosted side events.
One such company was Adidas (ETR:ADS), the popular German footwear brand, which collaborated with megastar Bad Bunny. Together, the two parties transformed Coachella into a blooming greenhouse oasis to celebrate the artist’s latest sneaker release and headlining performance.
Methodology
To determine the top interesting cities in the US, we decided to use four metrics as major indicators: the number of major league sports teams in each city, the number of theaters/museums per capita in each city, the number of non-fast food restaurants in each city, and population density.
We wanted to find the cities that score the highest on these indicators, as the number of events these cities host would make them interesting. To reach accurate rankings, we assigned weights to each metric.
We collected data on the relevant metrics from different websites. We got the number of restaurants from Data Axel USA, the total number of museums/art galleries from Yelp, the names of sports teams from Sports Media Watch, and the total population from the government census.
Below is our complete list of the 30 most interesting cities in America.
Most Interesting Cities in America
30. Minneapolis
Total Population: 3,690,261
Restaurants: 4,224
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 19
Sports Teams: 9
Final Score: 27.4
Minneapolis, one of the most interesting cities in America, has a youthful and sophisticated vibe, with a diverse range of cultural offerings and outdoor activities. This something-for-everyone spirit, combined with the city’s manageable size, has led some to call it the “Mini-Apple.”
29. Kansas City
Total Population: 2,192,035
Restaurants: 2,900
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 120
Sports Teams: 5
Final Score: 27.3
Kansas City is the perfect Midwestern city that has it all. This vibrant city is renowned for its iconic jazz scene, stunning fountains, and, of course, its three-time Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs.
For foodies, the city is a barbecue paradise. From slow-smoked brisket to delectable burnt ends, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering barbecue joints to satisfy cravings.
28. San Antonio
Total Population: 2,192,035
Restaurants: 3,816
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 87
Sports Teams: 2
Final Score: 26.4
San Antonio, a city steeped in history and vibrant with modern attractions, inspires curiosity, hunger, and play. Visitors can explore its spectacular parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces on foot, by bike, or on foot.
27. San Jose
Total Population: 2,000,468
Restaurants: 3,496
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 130
Sports Teams: 4
Final Score: 26.2
Home to the world-renowned companies of Silicon Valley and the exquisite Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose is a city that offers a distinctive fusion of innovation, culture, and natural beauty.
26. Cleveland
Total Population: 2,185,825
Restaurants: 2,899
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 139
Sports Teams: 6
Final Score: 25.9
A city steeped in fascinating history and brimming with unique attractions, Cleveland is home to noteworthy firsts.
For example, it was the first city to have public electricity, and interestingly, a local celebrity coined the term “rock and roll”. Moreover, the first rock concert in history, the Moondog Coronation Ball took place at the Cleveland Arena in 1952. This made the city a significant tour stop for iconic performers such as David Bowie and The Beatles.
25. Cincinnati
Total Population: 2,249,797
Restaurants: 2,996
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 126
Sports Teams: 5
Final Score: 25.7
Once known as the “Paris of America,”, Cincinnati is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, vibrant theater scene, and prestigious colleges and universities. It is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone, from education and career opportunities to family-friendly activities.
24. Portland
Total Population: 2,512,859
Restaurants: 3,894
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 106
Sports Teams: 3
Final Score: 24.5
Known as the City of Roses, Portland, boasts over 350 miles of bike lanes and was ranked by Redfin, in 2019, as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. This was mainly due to its extensive network of biking trails and advanced bike infrastructure. Moreover, biking around Portland is a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding way to explore the city.
23. Pittsburgh
Total Population: 2,457,000
Restaurants: 3,460
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 120
Sports Teams: 6
Final Score: 23.7
History buffs can return to historical eras at one of Pittsburgh’s many history museums. Visitors passionate about the visual or performing arts are often amazed by the city’s vibrant arts scene, which features numerous theaters, galleries, museums, and public art installations.
22. Charlotte
Total Population: 2,660,329
Restaurants: 3,505
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 112
Sports Teams: 5
Final Score: 23.2
Charlotte, the “Queen City,” is renowned for its harmonious blend of southern charm and modern sophistication, as evidenced by its soaring skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant arts and culture scene.
21. St. Louis
Total Population: 2,820,253
Restaurants: 4,106
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 97
Sports Teams: 5
Final Score: 22.8
Nicknamed the Gateway City, St. Louis is a hub of adventure. Visitors can ascend to the top of the nation’s tallest monument, the Gateway Arch, and cheer on the 11-time World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
20. Detroit
Total Population: 4,392,041
Restaurants: 5,998
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 63
Sports Teams: 8
Final Score: 20.8
A lively city with a rich history and promising future, Detroit is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination in the United States. Nicknamed the “Motor City,” Detroit is best known as the birthplace of the modern automobile, and visitors flock to the renowned Henry Ford Experience to learn more about this automotive legacy.
19. Denver
Total Population: 2,963,821
Restaurants: 4,602
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 99
Sports Teams: 9
Final Score: 19.7
The “Mile High City”, Denver, is renowned for its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, but it is also a thriving metropolis with a unique culture. The city offers constant exposure to beautiful landscapes, thanks to the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
18. Orlando
Total Population: 2,673,376
Restaurants: 4,267
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 157
Sports Teams: 3
Final Score: 18.7
Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors yearly with its diverse attractions, including science centers, music festivals, and bowl games.
17. Atlanta
Total Population: 6,104,803
Restaurants: 9,248
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 60
Sports Teams: 7
Final Score: 18
Not only is Atlanta a commercial hub, but a sightseer’s paradise. Art lovers can catch an award-winning performance at the ornate Fox Theatre or peruse unique sculptures at the High Museum of Art. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and the Atlanta History Center to learn about the city’s rich past.
16. Tampa
Total Population: 3,175,275
Restaurants: 4,678
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 121
Sports Teams: 6
Final Score: 17.3
Tampa, renowned for its cigar industry, white-sand beaches, and thrilling attractions like Busch Gardens and ZooTampa, is a happening city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is one of the largest cities in the state, serving as a major business and cultural center.
15. Baltimore
Total Population: 2,844,510
Restaurants: 4,170
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 240
Sports Teams: 5
Final Score: 15.8
The Charm City, Baltimore, is home to renowned author Edgar Allan Poe. It attracts visitors worldwide to explore the writer’s childhood home, gravesite, and several themed restaurants that honor his legacy.
14. Dallas
Total Population: 7,637,387
Restaurants: 12,149
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 48
Sports Teams: 9
Final Score: 15.5
Dallas, part of the largest metropolitan area in the southern United States, is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, a beloved NFL team. Fans flock to see the Cowboys in action at AT&T Stadium in Arlington or tour The Star in Frisco, the team’s world headquarters.
13. San Diego
Total Population: 3,298,634
Restaurants: 6,006
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 186
Sports Teams: 2
Final Score: 15.2
One of the most interesting cities in America, San Diego, renowned for its beaches and waterborne activities, is best experienced from the ocean.
12. Miami
Total Population: 6,138,333
Restaurants: 11,307
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 71
Sports Teams: 9
Final Score: 14.8
Most people are unaware that Miami, one of the top interesting cities in the US, was founded by a woman. It is renowned for its glorious beaches, world-class nightlife, and endless shopping opportunities.
11. Phoenix
Total Population: 4,845,832
Restaurants: 6,294
Museums/Theatres/Art Galleries: 115
Sports Teams: 8
Final Score: 14.4
Phoenix is the lively capital of Arizona and a cultural hub where commerce, college life, and entertainment coalesce.
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Disclosure. None. 30 Most Interesting Cities in America is originally published on Insider Monkey.