Chicago, IL
The cubbies, deep-dish pizza, and Grant Park: just three things that put one of our country’s most beautiful cities on the world’s radar. Chicago paints a pretty picture with its skyline and views over shimmering Lake Michigan. The city is chock-full of Art Deco buildings that date back to the Al Capone era in the 20s.
Like the John Hancock Observatory and Water Tower, many are huddled on the prestigious Magnificent Mile. But you can still find breathing space from city life in green havens like Millennium Park, home to the bean-shaped Cloud Gate, or head to the 103rd-floor viewing deck at the Willis Tower to appreciate Chicago’s urban beauty.
If you’re visiting during the summer, check out the festivals this city loves to put on, from Taste of Chicago and Pitchfork Music Fest to the big daddy of them all, Lollapalooza. This windy city hunkers down in the winter unless the Bears are playing football, in which case shirtless guys will brave sub-zero temperatures to cheer on their boys at Soldier Field. No matter what you’re into, Chicago has it all!
27 thoughts on “Top 11 Most Beautiful Cities in the US”
No Philadelphia?
You should put Pittsburgh ,Pa, on the list.
Not San Francisco?!
I like the list in general, but I didn’t know that you intended to include relatively small cities like Charleston and Savannah. The One Giant Omission is San Francisco which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in The World.
Thank you for those lovely cities. I am a native of Chicago and enjoyed your view of
the city. I now live in South Carolina and enjoy visiting Charleston and Savannah in
Georgia. I am familiar with most of these cities and your description of them makes
one wish to visit. Luckily I have a son living in San Diego which gives me a reason to
visit.
I’ve seen and lived in both the New York and Las Angeles area and they are concrete jungles and not lovely! You would have to be in a park itself to make sense, but most of those cities by and large are sad and tragic! Wonderful theater and arts culture for both, but Charleston, South Carolina they are not.
You are CORRECT. LA is a PIT. As in armpit YUK
Agree with You. I have been to 10 of the cities.
I didn’t see Pittsburgh, PA on the list. Having lived there in the 40’s and 50’s when the steel industry made it a smokey, sooty, malodorous city, more recent visits reveal a clean and picturesque vista with the three rivers and rolling hills overlooking the confluence. I look forward more to the aerial views of Point Park during Steeler games than the games themselves. Beautiful!!
I agree with you wholeheartedly!! Grew up not far from the Steel City.
At least 2/3 of the cities on your list, I would not go if I had free airfare and accommodations to them.
Miracle Mile Beautiful – but the Crime and killings weekly -ypu dont want to be there
How about Newport News ,Virginia: best small community in America
Yes ,I agree completely the cities are wonderful.
Have you been to these cities lately? I have been to all of them. The crime in some is out of control. San Francisco used to be the most beautiful, like a European city. Now it’s not even on the list. Everyone knows why. I would agree with San Diego, Charleston and Savannah and Boston. Very sad to see what years of liberal mayors have done to many once great cities, in my humble opinion.
I have been all of ithem, (way more beyond: Phylli, Pitts, Potland OR, Houston, Vegas … ) but where is San Francisco, which shall be put in the first place !
Philadelphia, Pa should be in there too.
Not sure why Orlando isn’t on the list since Orlando actually IS “The City Beautiful”.
Speaking of beautiful cities, Honolulu and Las Vegas should be listed as two of the most beautiful cities in the U.S.
San Antonio? Of course, standards of beauty can be expected to vary considerably when complex objects are being compared.
What about Philadelphia? I loved it when I was there for Grad School.
Philadelphia is a beautiful city. Loved it when I was there in Grad School.
LA & San Diego but not San Francisco? You’ve got to be kidding me!!
Lived in Chicago and Miami. Chicago a yes, Miami a no. San Diego the best. Love the southern cities.
great tips. thanks
any list of beautiful cities that does not include San Francisco is totally ridiculous.
Denver or Anchorage aren’t listed? WOW!
Washington, DC is beautiful in the Springtime, all the lovely blooming flowers just make the various monuments priceless. The weather is usually kind to all!