Popular US cities, such as New York City and Las Vegas, are great to explore thanks to their famous landmarks and go-to experiences.
But what if you’ve been there, done that and tried everything that these iconic cities have to offer? What’s next? Get off the beaten track to fully experience an American holiday right here at home in the USA.
Consider a trip to Atlantic City, Buffalo, or Albuquerque. These incredible locations are all underrated cities with fabulous food, exciting history, and culture just waiting to be discovered. We’ve put together a list of alternative destinations, ranging from big cities to small towns to villages on the beach and everything in between.
So grab your hat, and let’s go to the ten most underrated cities in America, starting with Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1 – Albuquerque, New Mexico
The town was made famous by Prefab Sprout in the 90s with a song of the same name. Albuquerque featured in the Netflix series Breaking Bad and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Facilities from The Avengers films. The state capital is considered the new Hollywood, with sequels and movies always being filmed in the neighborhood.
That’s not all; every year in October, Albuquerque holds the International Balloon Fiesta. As it sounds, the fiesta is completely mad with hot-air balloons shaped like dinosaurs, clowns, cartoon characters, or farm animals that can be seen wherever you look. The fiesta is a must for both adults and children alike.
2 – Sacramento, California
Have you been to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? Want a local experience that can compete? Then check out the sparkling golden Sacramento Tower Bridge. You can see the California state capitol sitting at the end of the Capitol Mall Boulevard from the glistening bridge.
A few yards off the famous boulevard, you’ll enter a slower pace of life in the form of 1849 California at the Old Sacramento Historic District. After the announcement that gold was discovered in the state, thousands of people rushed to California to prospect.
3 – Atlantic City, New Jersey
Forget Las Vegas. With casinos all along the waterfront, Atlantic City is the perfect alternative and not in the desert. Situated close to the Jersey Shore beaches, it’s the ideal place for a home vacation.
At the heart of Atlantic City is the steel pier, initially opened in 1898 and still catering to roller-coaster fans or those wanting a ride on the grand carousel. With plenty of activities to do, it’s easy to see why Atlantic City is often referred to as the “Playground of America”
4 – Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York and is considered a culinary capital of western New York State. Famous for Buffalo wings, the barroom snack of chicken wings covered in sauce. Buffalonians also take pride in their Buffalo-style pizza, influenced by the Italian immigration wave in the 1800s.
That’s not all. Buffalo is home to over 50 private and public art galleries, most notably the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, home to modern and contemporary art and by far the most extensive collection in New York State.
5 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When you hear Florida, you immediately think of Miami, right? How about a place where you can get all the Florida vibes, just like Miami, but without the sky-high prices? That would be Fort Lauderdale.
The sun has an average temperature of 75°F year-round, the beach is calmer than Miami Beach, but the party atmosphere remains the same.
6 – Providence, Rhode Island
When the founding father Roger Williams set foot on the continent in 1636, he did not expect to discover one of the original 13 colonies. Nowadays, Providence holds a particular spot in America’s heart.
To experience the history of the American revolution and abolition of slavery, head to John Brown’s House Museum. Before the home was a museum, George Washington was a regular guest popping in for tea with friends.
Making Providence the perfect place for some culture and history, but without the crazy amount of tourists.
7 – Twin Cities, Minnesota
To get the most out of Minnesota you can head for the Twin Cities, a merging together of sister cities Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Home to the deceased artist, formerly known as Prince, his residence, Paisley Park, has recently opened to visitors. Fans can get a close-up and personal tour of the mixing studios and recording rooms. It’s also possible to visit Prince’s favorite venue, the NPG Music Club.
Sticking with music, what about Detroit? Detroit often gets bad press but not when it comes to music.
8 – Detroit, Michigan
Head over to Detroit to explore the history of the other iconic US-based band in indie music – The White Stripes. Known for their part in the garage rock revival scene, Detroit proudly claims this band as one of their own.
When checking out what Detroit has to offer Stripes fans, the first places on your list should be the places where The White Stripes got to grips with stardom. Namely, The Magic Stick and Old Miami.
9 – St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is probably most well-known from the Judy Garland film “Meet Me in St. Louis”. It’s a vibrant city with an eclectic mix of neighborhoods. From the French-influenced neighborhood of Soulard, which is well known for its blues scene and farmers market, to the bustling Downtown where you’ll find the iconic Gateway Arch.
The variety of this cosmopolitan city, with its Midwestern charm, means there’s something for everyone in St. Louis – whether you be a foodie or a sports fan.
10 – Winnetka, Chicago
For those who grew up in the 90s, Home Alone is a cultural touchstone. One of the most iconic places in the film was Kevin McCallister’s home, a large mansion house located in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka.
Now a tourist destination, but sadly, the actual McCallister house is fictional.
