10 Amazing Downtown Areas You Can’t Miss

There’s no doubt about it. You can find the most exciting places in the US in each city’s downtown area. No matter where you go, the big cities in America have fascinating downtown areas filled with hidden gems and plenty of cultural excursions. This area is one that’s usually the heart and soul of a city.

It’s a place for locals to gather, tourists to explore, and where events take place. Some cities and towns have vibrant downtown areas that are bustling with activity, while far-flung neighborhoods are where the action is in other locations across the country. Here, we review the 10 best downtown areas you’d ever visit in the US.

Chicago, IL

When visiting Chicago, head for the downtown district, and you’ll be in “The Loop.” It’s more than an urban spread of cloud-high skyscrapers and cultural recreation centers. You’ll be surprised by what you find. The downtown part of Chicago is enormous and has a little bit of everything.

This includes government centers, tourist attractions, high-end restaurants, museums, dive bars, theaters, and high-rises. The Chicago River runs through this downtown, and Lake Michigan forms the border of the city. These waterways provide recreation and beauty to an otherwise landlocked city.

Top places to visit downtown include Grant Park, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, and the Lakefront Trail. While in the city, you may think you’re in a coastal resort because there are numerous beaches within minutes of the Loop. Downtown Chicago is really a suburb of the city that has it all!

Seattle, WA

Seattle has a picturesque downtown backdrop that offers beautiful views of the water and is well-kept and inviting. Here you’ll find a refreshing mix of historic and contemporary attractions, architecture, and events. Landmarks to check out if you’ve never been to Seattle before include Pier 59, the Salmon Bay Bridge, and the Space Needle.

Additionally, you’ll find many restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, ethnic eateries, and more. You also shouldn’t miss the Flower Market with its affordable yet bountiful arrangements, and you’ll love the craft-oriented hallways of the Pike Place Market.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the place’s weirder gems, especially the Gum Wall along Post Alley. Hundreds of thousands of visitors leave their mark on this location by sticking their chewing gums onto the wall.

Sedona, AZ

When you think Sedona, you automatically think of remarkable rock formations, New Age crystals, and mysterious vortexes. But this is also a location with an impressive downtown area to explore. Main Street is a pleasant place to walk around and shop for souvenirs. While it’s undoubtedly a bit touristy and pricey, you can’t beat the location and browsing the unique mom-and-pop shops.

You’ll also find extraordinary art galleries and a fudge shop surrounded by the natural red rocks of the nearby mountains. After your visit, plan to get out of town to explore the hiking and biking trails to truly appreciate the nature surrounding Sedona. The top attractions to check out are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts, Red Rock State Park, and the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

New York, NY

If you want to be thrown into consumerism, and everything that’s unabashedly American, then don’t look any further. You’ll find all of it in Times Square. You’ll walk through the bright signs and blare ads in wonder. It’s constantly changing and is always active.

There are three apparent reasons why New York is considered one of the best cities in the world. Many Broadway theatres and off-Broadway locations like the East and West Village always show new productions featuring notable actors. The many music locales, clubs, and bars have live bands every week, especially on weekends. And the streets of New York turn into huge multi-block street fairs and celebrations that feature uncommon food stands, discount items, and even live music.

The 22 block Museum Mile on the Upper East Side holds a chain of renowned museums, from the Natural History Museum to the Met and the Guggenheim.

Philadelphia, PA

To experience one of the nation’s oldest and largest downtown areas, visit Philadelphia and plan to spend several days. You’ll find everything from cultural venues to convention centers. It’s an excellent place to learn about American history, find unbelievable restaurants, and see the architecture that has evolved over time.

You can also find residential neighborhoods in the downtown area that add to the character of this part of town. Most tourists who visit Pennsylvania always check out the historical Liberty Bell in Independence Hall, so if you’re in town and haven’t seen it, you definitely should because it marks a significant part of American history.

Another interesting Philadelphia tourist stop is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its iconic statue of Sylvester Stallone. Being the sixth populous city of the United States, Philly definitely has lots in store for its visitors.

Burlington, VT

Vermont is a place commonly known for its farm-to-table restaurants, charming towns, and welcoming people. The downtown area of Burlington has lots to offer its residents and visitors who want to dine, drink, and shop. There is also an excellent trail for biking that runs through town and several breweries to stop at along your way.

Church Street Market is located downtown in an open-air mall home to festivals, street musicians, shopping, and great dining. Overall, this is an excellent city for outdoor enthusiasts who want some art and culture along with their nature. Other pleasant things to see and do in Burlington include the Waterfront Park, Burlington City Arts Center, the Frog Hollow Craft Center, and be sure to check out the odd structure known as the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet.

Boston, MA

Did you know that downtown Boston is one of the oldest settlements in North America? Its history dates back to the Puritans’ arrival in the early 1600s. Boston has played an essential role in significant historical moments throughout the centuries, including the American Revolution.

Check out the Downtown area where you’ll discover seventeenth-century structures between the modern-day skyscrapers, eat oysters in a restaurant open since the 1800s, or relive the moment that changed America’s history in a re-enactment on a floating ship museum.

There are narrow and winding streets that are charming and quaint even among that big city backdrop. With the many public and private businesses headquartered in downtown Boston, this area is crowded and hectic during weekdays. But the Charles River brings some peace and serenity to cancel that out!

Colorado Springs, CO

While the area’s natural beauty is hard to compete with, downtown Colorado Springs manages to do it, AND with style. So much so, it’s a designated Colorado Creative District, and there are incredible public artworks on almost every street.

Art galleries, local restaurants, and parks make this downtown an excellent place to be! You’ll see a charming mix of old AND new architecture here with pedestrian-friendly streets and colorful landscaping. There are also many food spots and co-working spaces that attract remote workers and budding entrepreneurs.

As with many locations in Colorado, this town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Also, make sure to spend some time in Acacia Park. It’s in the center of downtown, and America the Beautiful park is in the southwestern corner of downtown.

Buckhannon, WV

The city of Buckhannon in West Virginia has a blooming downtown and very welcoming hospitality. It’s located near a few Civil War sites and the Allegheny Mountains, which makes this the ideal stop for history buffs and outdoor lovers.

This historic district downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there are lots of festivals that take place through this part of town.

Jawbone Park also has live music, farmer’s markets, and handmade crafts for sale each week throughout the summer and fall. While you’re in the area, check out Audra State Park, the Buckhannon Antique Mall, and the Little Hungary Farm Winery.

San Diego, CA

Here you can see why San Diego is called “California’s Beach City.” But you’ll find much more than beaches and sunshine in San Diego. Aside from having what some consider the best climate in the US, Downtown San Diego is an energetic cultural hub where historic Spanish-influenced architecture stands near shimmering modern high-rises.

And no visit to San Diego is complete without a trip to Balboa Park. This urban oasis is home to many of the city’s main attractions. It combines a museum complex with themed gardens to produce a captivating Southern California landscape. It’s just a quick stroll from Downtown, and the park is one of the most prominent urban green locations in the entire country. Many of the park’s attractions, such as the Desert Cactus Garden and the Zoro Garden, are free to the public.

Takeaway

The US has been globally referred to as the Land of Liberty. And over the last few centuries, people from all over the world have been coming to our country. It’s worth mentioning that what draws them the most is the nation’s prosperity and democracy. Others have come seeking a better way of life. All of this has resulted in a hugely diverse country, from the landscapes to politics, religion, cuisine, and culture.

We’ve focused on places in the US that have amazing areas downtown that are worth visiting. Some of these places may be big cities, while others can be small towns. But the one thing that they ALL have in common is that downtown is the place to adopt the culture and spirit of its local people.