CNN reveals the best US cities to visit in 2024 | CNN

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You’ve dove into the Empire State Building, admired the architecture along the Chicago River, and huffed and puffed through the streets of San Francisco.

Big American cities have attractions in spades – and crowds, too. This summer, we’re turning our attention to smaller towns that aren’t already at the top of everyone’s travel list: places where you’ll often find a small-town feel and plenty of personality as well as plenty to see and to do for a few days. or more.

At CNN Travel, we tapped our network of contributors for nominations to our inaugural list of the best American cities to visit. We rated their favorites and ranked the finalists down to 10 by looking at each city’s attractions, food and drink offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting places and wow factor. We also looked at travel essentials, including accommodation options and ease of getting there and getting around.

Our choice ranges from around 50,000 inhabitants to around 225,000 inhabitants. They are spread across the country and are reminders of what is great about the United States: communities committed to improving their cities. This spirit is found in revitalized neighborhoods and city centers and in residents who have put all their passion, creativity and know-how into projects that nourish souls and bellies.

Here are our 2024 choices:

High scores: Cool lakeside setting, outdoor activities, drinks scene

A small city best known over the years as an industrial port for transporting minerals on the Great Lakes, Duluth is now gaining a reputation as a refuge from the climate crisis. Its summers are generally quite temperate thanks to its location on Lake Superior. The hilly town offers plenty of outdoor activities, a great beer scene, a cluster of lakeside attractions, and a revitalized neighborhood showcasing artisan goods. You can join friendly Duluthians in a community sauna followed by a dip in the cool of Amity Creek.

High scores: Down-to-earth atmosphere, live music, outdoor access

You may know Knoxville as home to the University of Tennessee and its orange and white tsunami of fans at sporting events. Or you may know it for hosting the 1982 World’s Fair and its distinctive glass tower. But did you know that this East Tennessee city also offers a booming music scene (watch out for Nashville and Memphis!), delicious classical theater, and delicious food? And there’s 1,500 acres of urban wilderness for easy access to outdoor adventures.

High scores: Art and design, beer scene, outdoor activities

With a world-class sculpture park and public art throughout the city, Grand Rapids is so much more than “Beer City USA.” But with more than 100 breweries, distilleries, and cideries, Michigan’s second-largest city lives up to its drinking nickname. Museums highlight Grand Rapids’ deep design roots, while Grand River pays homage to its family-friendly outdoor assets. And a planned amphitheater along the banks of the river is just one part of a larger effort to revitalize the waterfront.

High scores: Musical heritage, cultural attractions, architecture

With museums and a renovated studio dedicated to its musical heritage, Mâcon stands out for its cultural attractions and local institutions that have remained appreciated for generations. Macon’s revitalized downtown has made way for new restaurants, bars and a boutique hotel. And with a goal of transforming a site home to thousands of years of history into Georgia’s first U.S. national park and a preserve co-managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the city is paying attention to how its ancient history speaks of its future.

High scores: Dark skies, outdoor activities, landscapes, retro atmosphere

Sunny days and starry nights are big draws in this high-altitude city. Enjoying the beautiful landscapes and wonders of the cosmos is easy in Flagstaff, thanks to the San Francisco Peaks, numerous national monuments, the Lowell Observatory, and Flagstaff’s status as a Dark Sky City. Route 66 passes through here, where retro hotels welcome travelers who stop by, and the downtown area has undergone a renaissance. The area’s Native American history is another reason to visit.

High scores: Magnificent landscapes, retro atmosphere, outdoor activities, vineyards

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back, old-school California vibe, the expensive Bay Area and traffic-clogged Southern California won’t be it. But there is a place in between, figuratively and literally, that is a delicious return to the cold, 20^th18th century Golden State. After all, they don’t call San Luis Obispo “SLO” for nothing. Here you can indulge in everything from wine trails to hiking trails without the crush of humanity. The beautiful natural environment, with the Pacific nearby, is the icing on the cake.

High scores: Next-level culinary scene, coastal setting, outdoor access

This historic port town offers very modern restaurants as well as classics reflecting Maine’s status as the lobster capital of America. The food scene here has clearly put it on the map as a culinary destination, with two new James Beard Awards just added to the city’s collection. You’ll also find a thriving craft beer scene and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water or in the woods. Strolling through the bustling center offers a window into centuries of maritime history and a renaissance of the Victorian era.

High scores: Breathtaking setting, outdoor access, artistic scene

Urban settings can’t get any better than this. Tacoma’s location between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier offers exceptional outdoor recreation in and around the city. There are also some pretty spectacular sights in the city, thanks to Dale Chihuly, the master art glassmaker and Tacoma native. At the Glass Museum, exhibitions and glassblowers at work in its warm workshop tell the story of the medium. And the aerial tours will give you a good overview of the sacred ancestral lands of the Puyallup Tribe.

High scores: Art, architecture, design, culinary scene

Downtown Providence’s dazzling riverfront exists because of decades of ambitious work to relocate rivers and roads to beautify and preserve the city. Downtown rivers have danced in the firelight of the beloved WaterFire art installation for decades, and public art is everywhere. The city is also home to the famous Rhode Island School of Design and Museum. Architecture buffs will find plenty to admire, and Providence’s culinary history (with premium seafood and Italian cuisine) and diversity of restaurants mean you’ll be treated to a global feast.

High scores: Cultural attractions, dining and drinking, fascinating neighborhoods

Richmond, Virginia – or “RVA” – is more deserving of the national attention that this other capital a few hours to the north receives. Richmond scores high for its top-notch museums and vibrant neighborhoods, and it takes a hard look at its complicated history. Plus, it offers a diverse, chef-driven culinary scene, more than 30 breweries, and easy access to the surrounding wine region. And there’s a festival lineup almost year-round – mark your calendar for the Richmond Folk Festival in the fall.

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Text of the story by Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown, CNN