Tired of fighting the crowds at destinations like the Empire State Building and the National Mall in Washington, D.C.? Sure, big cities have a lot of attractions, but they also bring in huge numbers of people, so if you’d like to go somewhere a little less busy, CNN Travel has some ideas where to go.
- They’ve just come out with their first-ever list of America’s Best Towns to Visit.
- CNN narrowed down their contenders by looking at each smaller city’s attractions, nightlife, cultural scene, food and beverage offerings, proximity to other interesting spots and “wow factor.”
- They also considered travel essentials like ease of getting there and around, and lodging options.
- Their top pick for 2024 is Richmond, Virginia, the state’s capital city. The southern town gets high scores for its museums, “dynamic” neighborhoods, and chef-driven food scene.
- Richmond also has more than 30 breweries and access to surrounding wine country, as well as a year-round lineup of festivals.
- Number two is Providence, Rhode Island, known for its beautiful downtown riverfront, public art and culinary scene.
The Best U.S. Towns to Visit in 2024
- Richmond, Virginia
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Tacoma, Washington
- Portland, Maine
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Macon, Georgia
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Duluth, Minnesota
Source: CNN
Photo: Getty Images