Ten U.S. Cities Foreign Travelers Should Not Miss!

The United States is the third largest country in the world in both land mass and population—so large and diverse it’s like visiting dozens of countries in one. Many foreign travelers who visit the United States only scratch the surface, so we have partnered with professional travel blogger Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com, who has visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states, to get an insider’s look at some of the can’t-miss cities in the country.

Whenever I travel abroad, I always ask locals and other travelers I meet if they’ve ever been to the United States. If they reply yes, I ask where they have visited. The overwhelming reply is New York City, with Los Angeles and San Francisco following behind. I guess it stands to reason, as these three city airports are the international gateway to the U.S. While all three are great cities, I don’t find them to be overly distinctive compared to other large cities around the world. A similar comparison could be made if you ask someone if they’ve ever been to France. If they say yes, the vast majority would reply that Paris was the only city in the country they had visited. Paris is certainly a wonderful city, but it feels a bit like a cliche, just like NYC when it comes to visiting the U.S.

Ten U.S. Cities Foreign Travelers Should Not Miss - Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville skyline. Photo supplied by Nashville Tourism.

As someone who has road-tripped all over the United States, I can tell you there are many fantastic cities, large and small, that are worth visiting. However, for this particular list, the leading qualifier is that all of the following cities can be accessed by a nonstop connecting flight from either coast of the country.

I enjoy visiting places that the masses have not. I’m the kind of person who veers left at a fork in the road (only 10% of people do this in right-lane-driving countries) rather than right. In the spirit of being different, I have compiled a top-10 list of the best cities that foreign travelers should consider visiting. They have soul, character, and uniqueness that foreign travelers will likely not find in other parts of the world—from distinct cultures and gastronomy to history and an unmistakable vibe. These are 10 cities that foreign travelers should not miss!

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

When people think of New Orleans (aka NOLA), the most common image might be the party scene of Mardi Gras or Bourbon Street. While that may be of interest to some, it wasn’t for me, so I shied away from NOLA for the longest time, which was a big mistake. New Orleans is one of the most vibrant, diverse, historic, and culturally different cities in the entire world. The food, the architecture, the music, and the electric vibe of NOLA is something everyone should experience once in their life. Visitors may want to take an excursion down the mighty Mississippi in the last remaining steam-powered paddle boat; or peruse the elaborate WWII museum, which has some extraordinary exhibits, including many aircraft that hang from the rafters. The cemeteries, gardens, trolleys, historic tours, and architecture are also big draws. For many, the gastronomy and jazz music are a hedonistic experience.

Brass band in New Orleans. Photo supplied by New Orleans Tourism.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah is filled with history! Hopping on a pedicab and pedaling through the area is a perfect way to familiarize yourself. Or jump on a historic trolley ride—there are several to choose from, including the Historic Overview Tour, the Land and Sea Tour, the Savannah Experience, or the Historic Haunts Tour. There’s also the On/Off Tour, which allows you to jump off and back on the bus at 16 different points to explore the area. If you’re into the haunted stuff, there are many historic inns and B&Bs that all claim to have ghost stories—even one where a child ghost leaves pennies for guests. You can also view the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, both inside and out. This is, hands down, one of the most beautiful cathedrals standing. The carvings, stained glass, and architecture are truly exquisite. And before you leave, be sure to take a stroll down Jones Street, one of the most beautiful tree-lined streets in the world. And if you have a vehicle, a drive through the live oaks with hanging Spanish moss is a must. It is said that the trees are best experienced as you make your way to Wormsloe.

Pedicab ride in Savannah. Photo supplied by Savannah Tourism.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Despite its population of 900,000, Austin has a unique small-town feel. Live music is as indigenous to the capital city of Texas as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. If you love music, Austin is a place you must truly experience. You’ll find live music in coffeehouses, grocery stores, and even at the airport! There are numerous festivals held throughout the year. For bike enthusiasts, there are miles of dedicated and well-maintained paths to enjoy, with plenty of places to rent the two-wheeled variety. For floral and photography enthusiasts, Austin has more than 650 species of flowers that are indigenous to Texas, and the wild bluebonnets are so abundant in the spring that you can see them for miles in the open fields. Lastly, water enthusiasts will love Lake Travis with its abundance of water recreational opportunities.

Live music in Austin. Photo supplied by Austin Tourism.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Utah is well known for its excellent slopes and hills for skiing and snowboarding. The skiing in and around Salt Lake City (SLC) is some of the best in the country! One unique attraction is the ski-in, ski-out distillery. The bourbon, whiskey, and vodkas are produced in small batches and have interesting and unique stories behind each of their names. The architecture in SLC is also some of the most distinctive in the country. In addition to the Mormon temples, there are many monuments and structures throughout the city filled with fascinating history, including the Mormon Church History Museum, where you can learn about Joseph Smith the prophet, Mormon missions, and about the church’s past, present, and future. While in Salt Lake City, a drive to the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi is in order, Great Salt Lake. One thing you won’t be able to do at this lake, however, is fish! This body of water is eight times saltier than the ocean because it doesn’t have an outlet; it does however provide some pretty spectacular views. Hiking and biking trails are also abundant!

Salt Lake City skyline. Photo supplied by Utah Tourism.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

If you’re a history nerd, Philadelphia will keep you entertained for days. Foreign travelers visiting the U.S. may not realize that Philadelphia is the birthplace of this nation. You’ll find iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Philadelphia is filled with monuments and museums that include City Tavern, a recreated version of the original 18th-century tavern the Founding Fathers were known to frequent, and which serves authentic colonial recipes. Another unique place to tour is the Eastern State Penitentiary, the world’s first true penitentiary. Its history is intriguing: The idea for this prison was conceived in the home of Benjamin Franklin in 1787 and finally born in 1829. Many notable prisoners were incarcerated here, including Al Capone. The hop-on/hop-off tour in Philadelphia is a fantastic way to see the city at your own pace. The insightful tour allows you to jump off the tour bus for a closer look at attractions, then back on at your convenience to 27 different points of interest throughout Philadelphia.

Fourth of July Fireworks. Photo supplied by Philadelphia Tourism.

PORTLAND, OREGON

Portland, Oregon, is known for the most wonderful things; the rich, beautiful, green landscape, the laid-back lifestyle, amazing waterfalls, and the Voodoo Donut Shop, which, by the way, doubles as a wedding chapel! Equally as important as donuts is Portland’s gourmet food-truck scene. Their gatherings are strategically placed throughout the city, so there’s always a unique variety from which to choose. And if you happen to be on the east side of the Willamette River, check out Distillery Row! There are great tours of the eight distilleries on the weekends, or you can drop in for tastings any time of the week. Finally, the International Rose Test Garden is not to be missed. This one-of-a-kind scenic beauty is located in Washington Park, with approximately 550 varieties of roses among 7,000 plants. If you happen to visit on a sunny day, you might catch a glimpse of the snowcapped Mt. Hood.

Food Scene in Portland. Photo supplied by Portland Tourism.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston is one of the most romantic cities in the United States. The beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, historic homes, and horse-drawn carriages highlight what is so charming about this Southern city. Guides share their extensive knowledge about the 300-year-old city as you listen to the sound of hoofbeats on the cobblestone roads. It is a wonderful journey back in time. Or perhaps take a plantation and garden tour, many of which are unrestored and have that unique charm you would expect to see. Once the tour is over, you can wander the grounds and gardens of some of the oldest and most famous plantations in America. In the spring and early summer, the air is filled with the scent of blooming jasmine. Near the French Quarter in the heart of Charleston sits the ferries that take visitors across the water to Fort Sumter. This national monument and sea fort is the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War.

Carriage ride in Charleston. Photo supplied by Charleston Tourism.

DENVER, COLORADO

One misconception about the Mile-High city of Denver, Colorado, is that it really isn’t quite as cold as some might think. There are over 300 days of sunshine every year–more than any city in the United States. This explains why Denver is a bike rider’s dream. They have a city-wide bike sharing system where you can rent and return your wheels at any of the many stations throughout the city. Bikes can be rented by the day, the week, or the month. Denver is also a beer lover’s paradise. If you are a craft-beer aficionado, there are more tap rooms, brewery tours, and fantastic beers per capita than anywhere in the country. If you get the opportunity, swing by the Denver branch of the U.S. Mint, take a tour, and see how our currency is produced. Finally, the National Western Stock Show is a must-see! This two-week event includes a full-on rodeo, dancing horses, livestock auctions, and many more equine activities.

Western Stock Show Parade. Photo provided by Denver Tourism

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

When in Nashville, of course, you want to visit the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland. But for a standout attraction, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. At this unique downtown facility, you ride to the top and work your way down at your own pace, lingering over things that interest you or bypassing those that don’t. While music is the heart of Nashville, the food must not be overlooked. This city has some of the best Southern cuisine around. Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat some fried chicken, pork chops, hot fried fish, or mac and cheese. Warning: Southern comfort food may be addicting. Once you have your food fill, check out Dollywood, the 150-acre theme park that had undergone a few name changes until Dolly Parton joined the team and shared her name and entertainment expertise. Her involvement has helped the park to earn “best of the best” awards for Friendliest Park, Best Christmas Event, Best Food, and Best Shows! Nashville is a city full of fun!

The Grand Ole Opry. Photo supplied by Nashville Tourism.

TUCSON, ARIZONA

Tucson is one of the oldest cities in the Southwest, filled with fun and things to do. The second largest city in Arizona, it’s home to some of the most beautiful desert landscape. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a natural history museum, a botanical garden, and a zoo all in one! This venue is filled with a plethora of Southwestern knowledge. Just south of Tucson is Mission San Xavier del Bac, established in 1770 by Spanish Jesuits. The history is intriguing, the architecture is stunning, and the church itself is still used by the Tohono O’odham Indians as a spiritual center. If the true Old West experience is what you’re after, then pay a visit to the Old Tucson Studios, where many of the old Westerns were filmed. They provide guided tours and have wonderful family attractions such as panning for gold, a train ride, and guided horse trail rides. For the full Southwestern cowboy experience, foreign travelers will find several dude ranches in and around the Tucson area.