12 Most Beautiful Cities in the US, Ranked

Of course, every city in the United States has its own special draw, but you can’t deny that some cities stand out above the rest. Seeing Mt. Hood in the backdrop of Portland or walking through the Spanish moss-covered streets of Charleston gives the city extra life as you walk to and from. From coast to coast, here are 12 of the most beautiful cities in the US, ranked.

With so many stunning cities scattered across the nation, which ones truly stand out as the most beautiful? More than 60,000 voters shared their opinions on Ranker to bring you a popular opinion list of the 12 most beautiful cities in the US.

1. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is more than just coffee and rain clouds; it’s a city of quirky sights and incredible green spaces.

Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated markets in the U.S., attracts an estimated 10 million visitors each year. The iconic Space Needle, standing at 605 feet tall, offers views that can stretch up to 100 miles on a clear day. Seattle has the largest ferry system in the country, with boats shuttling 18 million people annually.

Yes, the city does see a lot of rain, but the community vibe is amazing when locals rush to Discovery Park or Green Lake on nice days.

2. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is an adventure land of beautiful red rocks and endless hiking trails. With more than 300 sunny days a year, Sedona is one of the best outdoorsy destinations in the country.

Over 3 million visitors come to explore its amazing rock formations, many of which are said to have “vortexes,” spots of spiritual energy. Tlaquepaque Arts Village has beautiful native architecture, with local galleries and shops tucked among shady sycamores. What you really can’t miss on your first visit are the fiery sunsets from Airport Mesa.

3. Malibu, California

Malibu’s celebrity mansions and beaches are iconic, but its 21 miles of coastline means endless options for surfers and sunbathers. El Matador Beach and Zuma Beach are just two of the famous sandy spots and where I think are the most beautiful.

Just inland, the Santa Monica Mountains lure in hikers and mountain bikers, with 500 miles of trails crisscrossing the area.

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu may be the Hawaiian capital, but thousands flock to Waikiki Beach daily, as its blue waters are pretty much right in the city. Get out of town a little to high Diamond Head Crater or Koko Head Crater. Food trucks line the streets, serving Hawaiian plate lunches and shaved ice for cheap.

Honolulu has one of the world’s largest outdoor shopping centers, Ala Moana. Locals are friendly, the sunsets are stunning, and the city balances urban fun with easy access to nature.

5. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara has a Mediterranean vibe, with palm-lined beaches and Spanish-style architecture. It’s much more laid-back than neighboring Los Angeles.

State Street is a local hotspot with shops, wine bars, and art galleries. Wine country surrounds the town, so day trips to the Santa Ynez Mountains’ tasting rooms are a must.

Known for having over 300 sunny days a year, locals spend a lot of time outside. Butterfly Beach is one of my favorites, especially at sunset, while East Beach draws beach volleyball players seemingly at all times.

6. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston pulls you in with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic mansions. Walk down the Rainbow Row’s pastel-colored houses and the Battery Promenade’s waterfront views.

Over seven million tourists visit annually, drawn by a food scene that takes Lowcountry cooking seriously. Spanish moss blowing in the wind lines the city’s old plantations, which are steeped in our nation’s complex history.

Charleston is known for its friendliness, with locals often chatting up tourists or giving directions.

7. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is where southern hospitality meets Spanish moss and cobblestone squares. Forsyth Park is a local favorite, with its famous fountain and paths shaded by centuries-old trees.

River Street has shops, bars, and some of the best seafood around, with a nice river view. The city’s haunted tours are famous too, taking visitors through spooky old mansions and cemeteries. People say you haven’t truly seen Savannah until you’ve experienced a foggy morning by the river.

8. Key West, Florida

As one of the most beautiful places in Florida, Key West combines Caribbean influences with a laid-back island feel. Duval Street is packed with bars, galleries, and shops selling everything from Cuban cigars to tropical shirts.

Epic sunsets at Mallory Square attract crowds every evening, all there to watch the sun sink below the Gulf. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts flock to the Florida Reef just off its coast.

9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be tiny, but it’s still officially designated as a city of fairytale cottages, artist galleries, and endless ocean views.

Drive to the historic Carmel Mission and down the scenic 17-Mile Drive, stopping at Carmel Beach for a sunset walk. Clint Eastwood, once the town’s mayor, still occasionally pops up at local events. Some of California’s best wine-tasting rooms are here, so you can sip while you stroll.

10. San Diego, California

Who would want to visit a place with year-round 70-degree weather and sprawling beaches? Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are San Diego’s surf hotspots, while La Jolla Cove attracts snorkelers and curious sea lions.

Even with one whole day, you won’t have enough time to see all of Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre green space filled with gardens, museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The Gaslamp Quarter is a beautiful place for the nightlife scene at night.

It’s also just a short drive to the Mexican border, so you can pop over for a quick taste of Tijuana.

11. Washington, D.C.

You may know Washington, D.C., as the city of our most significant cultural monuments. The National Mall, which holds iconic sites like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, attracts millions of visitors each year.

Neighborhoods like Georgetown and Adams Morgan are other places to visit for trendy shops and historic architecture. The Smithsonian museums, all free of charge, house treasures from the Hope Diamond to Apollo 11.

Come in spring for the cherry blossom season to kiss under the pink blooms around the Tidal Basin. The city’s 680,000 residents are used to mixing with visitors from all over, but I’ll tell you now that finding parking will be difficult if you’re in the city center.

12. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s historical side mixes with the energy of a modern city full of students and sports fans. Walking the Freedom Trail takes you past 16 historical sites, including Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church.

Boston Common is the country’s oldest public park, and there are always skaters in winter or picnickers in the summer. Fenway Park attracts die-hard Red Sox fans, who make sure every game day is loud and lively.

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