I’ve spent the last decade traveling solo to all 50 states multiple times — and people often ask me for trip recommendations.
My favorite destinations are towns that have a lot to do but can sometimes fly under the radar.
Although some on this list are still considered major cities, I find they aren’t talked about nearly as often as super popular travel destinations like New York City or Los Angeles.
Here are seven of my favorite cities that I’ve loved visiting.
Colorado Springs shouldn’t be missed.
Colorado Springs is often overshadowed by Nearby Denver and Boulder, but it’s one of my favorite cities to visit in Colorado.
With limitless outdoor activities, incredible access to the Rocky Mountains, and a thriving food scene, there is never a shortage of things to do in this city.
I love staying at the historic Broadmoor Resort, taking the cog railway up to the summit of Pikes Peak, visiting Garden of the Gods for hiking or climbing, and heading downtown to browse the local shops and restaurants.
I love Chattanooga, Tennessee, for its outdoor activities and quaint downtown.
Located halfway between the major cities of Nashville and Atlanta, Chattanooga is an often-overlooked city worth the detour.
The Tennessee city is a haven for outdoor recreation, with stunning scenery for hiking, biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. It has incredible views of Lookout Mountain and its Ruby Falls, the nation’s tallest underground waterfall, is a must-see.
Downtown Chattanooga is lively and full of art, quaint shops, and museums. The beautiful riverfront often hosts festivals and events.
St. Louis, Missouri, offers plenty of free attractions.
Sometimes overshadowed by Chicago to the north and Kansas City to the west, St. Louis is an incredible place to visit, with museums, parks, neighborhoods, sports events, and more.
I love to visit the sprawling Forest Park to check out museums or rent paddle boats before heading to the St. Louis Zoo. The zoo is one of the best I’ve ever visited and is free to enter.
Other attractions with free entrance fees include The Science Center, Gateway Arch National Park, and Grant’s Farm, which is home to the Budweiser Clydesdales and over 100 animal species.
Fort Worth is a more laid-back part of Texas compared to cities like Dallas.
Texas’ flashier neighbor, Dallas, often steals the spotlight with its high-rise buildings and booming business scene.
Fort Worth, however, offers a more down-home Texan experience, which I prefer.
The downtown area has Sundance Square — with everything from retail stores to performing arts theaters — and museums to explore, while the Near Southside district is bustling with shops, restaurants, live music, and art.
The nearby Fort Worth Stockyards feel like traveling to a different city entirely, with cattle drives, rodeos, and honky-tonk bars scattered throughout the walkable area.
Savannah, Georgia, is one of my favorite Southern cities.
Savannah sometimes gets overshadowed by other Southern cities such as Charleston and New Orleans. Although they’re similar, Savannah has its own vibe and is worth a visit.
The historic downtown is charming and hosts 22 town squares, each with a unique layout and history.
Spend the day eating classic Southern food, visiting museums, exploring the hand-laid cobblestone River Street, and even heading to the beach at Tybee Island — a barrier island just 18 miles away.
I don’t see enough lists recommending visits to Santa Fe.
Many have heard of Santa Fe since it’s New Mexico’s state capital, but I don’t think enough people are aware of how great it is to explore.
The Spanish influence is evident throughout the city’s art, history, culture, and incredible food.
I love to stroll the Plaza, check out Canyon Road art galleries, visit museums at Museum Hill, and indulge in New Mexican food and wine during my frequent visits.
From walking tours to whiskey tasting, there’s so much to do in Louisville, Kentucky.
I was pleasantly surprised by Louisville on a recent visit to Kentucky.
With a bustling downtown and riverfront (which includes the famous Whiskey Row filled with bourbon and saloons), there is much to see and do.
I loved learning about the historic neighborhoods on a walking tour, visiting art galleries, running across the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, and, of course, enjoying whiskey tasting and barbecue.
The post I’ve been to all 50 states, and I’ve unexpectedly fallen in love with these 7 cities appeared first on Business Insider.
