Exploring pristine green spaces gives you the opportunity to revel in the beauty of the world around you. This was perfectly showcased in the post on the 10 best national parks in the United States. At the other end of the spectrum are urban areas, which also have their own appeal. It is in these places that you see the scale of human technology and imagination. Some cities have unbelievably ancient origins, while others astound us with ambition and rapid development. There is something sublime about man-made structures that bear witness to society’s history and achievements.
Source: Pixabay
The US has its fair share of interesting urban destinations. Here are 10 of the best!
Table of Contents
Top 10 Urban Destinations in the US
St. Augustine, Florida. Source: Pixabay
10. St. Augustine, Florida
About the city:
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement established by Europeans in the continental US. Historians estimate its origins date back to 1565. The city’s Spanish roots are clear in its architecture, which includes Castillo de San Marcos, a stone fortress built in the 17th century. If you like haunted spots, then you might want to head to the Old St. Johns County Jail, which has been in existence since 1891.
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Source: Breaux Bridge Facebook
9. Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
About the city:
In Cajun Country, food is sacred. Breaux Bridge, Louisiana has etched its identity in this fact and its seafood restaurants draw thousands of tourists each day. Restaurant hopping in the city is an unforgettable experience, especially during local festivals.
Salem, Massachusetts. Source: YouTube
8. Salem, Massachusetts
About the city:
Salem is known for its history of witchcraft, but modern Salem has fully embraced its occult roots with its revitalization as a spiritual mecca in Massachusetts. The town has seen the rise of holistic wellness centers, astrology and tarot reading sessions, reiki and meditations, and crystal shops. Why not take the opportunity to deep dive into Salem’s controversial history that has come to define the town? Expect interesting stories and eccentric people to guide you around the city.
Gulf Shores, Alabama. Source: Pixabay
7. Gulf Shores, Alabama
About the city:
As of 2016, the resort city in Baldwin County only had 11,690 residents, making it a peaceful beach destination in the south. It is known for its chartered fishing, cruises, beachfront resorts, and hotels, as well as nine golf clubs. Gulf Shores’ tourist-friendly vibe complements its easy-going atmosphere and friendly people. Although the beaches in the area were hit hard by Tropical Storm Gordon, they have recovered and are now open again for visitors.
Charlotte, North Carolina. Source: Pixabay
6. Charlotte, North Carolina
About the city:
Charlotte has an important place in American history. During the American Civil War, for instance, British commander General Charles Cornwallis stayed in the town, although he was later driven out by residents who sympathized with the rebels. Cornwallis described Charlotte as “a hornet’s nest of rebellion.” Today, the city is relatively quiet and contemplative and features sites such as Park Road Park – the city’s largest green space, as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Source: Pixabay
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
About the city:
The city has also been recognized for using arts as an economic catalyst through the efforts of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. In fact, it’s home to the Andy Warhol Museum, which is the biggest museum for a single artist. It has 17 galleries and thousands of paintings, photographs, and sculptures dedicated to one of the stalwarts of modern pop art.
Salt Lake City, Utah. Source: Pixabay
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
About the city:
While most visitors treat Salt Lake City as the entry point to some of Utah’s national parks, this particular city has lots to offer visitors. The Salt Lake Tribune discussed the renewed efforts of its local government to turn it into a cultural destination. Sugar House District, one of Salt Lake City’s oldest neighborhoods, is now drawing crowds for its trendy shops and cafes. You can also learn more about the city’s roots in Temple Square, the heart of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Nashville, Tennessee. Source: Pixabay
3. Nashville, Tennessee
About the city:
Nashville, Tennessee is the epicenter of country music. Its biggest venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry draw in visitors from all over the south of the US and beyond. Along Broadway are honky-tonk bars and posters of southern heroes such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, among others. The central shrine of country music in the city is the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Portland, Oregon. Source: Pixabay
2. Portland, Oregon
About the city:
Portland’s laid-back urban scene rivals that of other West Coast cities with its clubs, comedy bars, casinos, and trendy studios. In fact, Oregon Live notes that it has become a go-to destination for live jazz music and water shows with synchronized swimmers. Pearl District, just north of Downtown, is a hub brimming with artists and locals who want to share their works and talents. It was formerly a complex of warehouses repurposed into a community gathering area by local creative entrepreneurs.
New York City, New York. Source: Pixabay
1. New York City, New York
About the city:
New York’s incredible skyline and diverse culture provide enough reasons to visit one of the world’s most famous cities. Iconic buildings such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State are known throughout the world, and welcome millions of tourists each year.
New York City, New York. Source: 125 Greenwich Street Facebook
Among the recent buildings to open soon in New York are the prestigious 125 Greenwich Street and 70 Charlton Street. The former is a work in progress by the brilliant Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. It will be 88 stories high, and the building will have a futuristic façade. Meanwhile, 70 Charlton Street is situated in Hudson Square, a premier residential zone between Soho, West Village and Tribeca. This redefined area is poised to be a mecca of local culture, and it was established for the benefit of the three aforementioned communities. Much of the land here, in fact, is privately owned, and Yoreevo indicates that even the portion underneath 70 Charlton Street is leased for 145 years to Extell, the building’s developer. The structure, which was designed by award-winning architectural firm Beyer Blinder Belle, has an industrial look inspired by the city’s rich history. It appears like a building from the 1950s, giving it a vintage appeal. The interiors, however, are all contemporary. This balance between old and new is omnipresent throughout New York, but none more so is it clear than in the city’s breathtaking architecture.
New York City, New York. Source: 70 Charlton Street Facebook
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Published on October 13, 2018