20 American Cities Famous for Their Stunning Beauty

Written By Lisa Marley

The U.S., covering 3.8 million square miles, is home to some of the world’s most diverse beauty. With such varied landscapes and exquisite scenery, these 20 U.S. cities known for their incredible beauty all boast unique and stunning views.

San Francisco, California

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Famous for its picturesque hills, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and charming Victorian architecture, San Francisco is renowned for its incredible landscape. With breathtaking views of the bay and vibrant neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, this city has unique scenery that is explicitly San Francisco.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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With a rich Native American and Spanish heritage, Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else in the U.S. Its architectural style is distinctive, and Tourism Santa Fe says it has the most adobe-style buildings in the country. With a stunning desert landscape as its backdrop, the scenery is further enhanced by the dramatic sunsets.

Charleston, South Carolina

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A U.S. destination renowned for its historic charm, Charleston’s cobblestone streets and pastel-colored antebellum homes make it a city of unrivaled beauty. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, so you can truly take in the idyllic streets and exquisite architecture.

Savannah, Georgia

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With its preserved historic district and stately mansions, Savannah has an old-world charm and Southern elegance that you just can’t find anywhere else. The moss-draped oak trees and stunning parks bring a natural ambiance to the city, while its coastal position adds an alternative landscape.

Asheville, North Carolina

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Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts stunning scenery with a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With peaks in every direction, you can see the mountains wherever you look, and USA Today says it is a gateway to over 300 miles of walking trails.

Portland, Oregon

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Known for its lush greenery and eclectic mix of architecture, Portland’s scenic beauty changes with the seasons. With the Willamette River flowing through the city, Portland is also surrounded by forest and mountains, creating a magical destination for nature enthusiasts.

Anchorage, Alaska

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Surrounded by majestic mountains and sparkling waters, Anchorage offers unrivaled natural beauty. Featuring snow-capped peaks, glistening waterfronts, and diverse wildlife, Anchorage has numerous vantage points to enjoy the landscape, with Visit Anchorage claiming it has some of the best views in Alaska.

San Diego, California

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Pristine beaches, lush parks, and perfect weather reflect the laid-back Southern California vibe that San Diego is famous for. Palm-lined streets, breathtaking coastal views, and historic landmarks like Balboa Park are the appeal of San Diego and blend perfectly together to make this city one of California’s top spots.

Boston, Massachusetts

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Steeped in history and culture, Boston’s cobblestone streets and charming neighborhoods make it a quintessentially American city. Riverfront views and historic facades add character to the city and are a visual delight. As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston is overflowing with that New England charm.

Portland, Maine

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Portland is the very essence of New England’s coastal charm. Famous for its picturesque harbor and historic architecture, Portland’s charming waterfront has a vibrant arts scene and fresh seafood that complement the vibe of the city. Even though it’s the largest city in Maine, it still feels like a quaint town.

San Antonio, Texas

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San Antonio’s blend of Spanish colonial architecture, lush parks, and rich history make it a visually stunning city. Home to the historic Alamo, a delightful river walk, and vintage shopfronts, San Antonio is a beautifully nostalgic destination that showcases the best of America’s rich heritage.

Honolulu, Hawaii

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Every corner of Hawaii is simply breathtaking, but Honolulu is extra special. Home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, lush tropical landscapes, and the iconic Diamond Head crater, Honolulu offers breathtaking natural beauty that perfectly aligns with the laid-back island vibe. It also has unique flora and fauna that can’t be found elsewhere.

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Lonely Planet says that New Orleans is a blend of multiple continents, unlike anywhere else in the country. The historic French Quarter, distinctive Creole architecture, and colorful streets make it a distinctive city recognized worldwide. There is no city as vibrant and captivating as New Orleans.

Key West, Florida

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Colorful Victorian homes and historic landmarks add a charm to Key West that sets it apart from other destinations in Florida. This coastal spot in the Florida Keys also has the best sunsets looking over the Gulf of Mexico. Key West is the perfect blend of tropical beauty and laid-back island charm without leaving the U.S.

Naples, Florida

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A beach town bursting with cultural heritage, Naples is most famous for its white sand beaches, glistening waters, and oceanfront restaurants. The Italian-style architecture that lines the waterways adds a touch of storybook enchantment to the scenery. You’ll also find lush mangrove forests and stunning nature preserves to contrast the views.

Denver, Colorado

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Sheltered by the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers stunning natural beauty and is known for year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. The city skyline contrasts the mountain backdrop, adding urban sophistication to the great outdoors. Visit The USA also says that the city experiences 300 days of sunshine, which certainly adds to its appeal.

Newport, Rhode Island

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Like a scene out of Bridgerton, Newport has incredible mansions everywhere you look. A seaside city with aristocratic charm, this Rhode Island city is home to prestigious celebrities and is a renowned sailing hub. The luxury, elegance, and sophistication of Newport create one of the most beautiful U.S. cities.

Telluride, Colorado

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Colorado’s landscape changes with the seasons, yet its diversity remains breathtaking. With snow-capped mountains throughout the winter, Telluride is a phenomenal winter wonderland. Yet when the snow melts, spring reveals luscious meadows and beautiful wildflowers. Both are best admired from the gondola, which takes in the stunning canyon views.

Sedona, Arizona

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The desert landscape of Sedona, with red rock canyons and a vibrant skyline, truly makes you feel like you’re on Mars. The scenery here is out of this world and attracts the spiritual crowd looking for a zen destination to heal and reflect. This city is one of the most impressive in the U.S.

Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

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Bringing a touch of Europe to the state of California, Carmel-By-The-Sea is home to charming French bistros, English cottages, and Mediterranean architecture. The city is so idyllic that it could easily be the setting of fairy tales, and its coastal location adds an extra touch.

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