As someone who had never been to the United States before spending five years living there, I didn't really have an idea about what to expect at all when starting to explore more.

In fact, I was so outdated and clueless about the U.S.A that when my military fiance floated the idea of relocating from Europe to Texas for a job, I envisioned the literal Wild West—vast drylands, rolling tumbleweeds, and needing to go by horseback to the local wooden shack for our supplies. (Shows how much I love him, as I said yes before I knew otherwise).

Of course, Austin wasn't that one bit—more like a metropolis of cityscape, traffic, new-builds, and a McDonald's or Target at every corner.

Which is why it doesn't make my list for the best cities to visit in the U.S.A, despite it becoming my home.

In no particular order and excluding the typical New York, San, Fran, Chicago, L.A, and Miami recommendations... here's my lowdown having visited all but two U.S states, and the destinations I feel you should spend some time exploring!

1. Fort Worth, Texas

Despite its sometimes-negative and cliche reputation, Texas has a spirit that no other States can match. Collective patriotism, history, and deep-rooted culture sew the seeds for an atmosphere that's often palpable, whether you're into cowboy, Country culture and Wild West vibes or not.

Fort Worth, on the outskirts of Dallas, is a timelessly heartfelt city for me. A small-town vibe compacted between high-bricked walls of old Western brawls and haunts, as if stepping into scenes from hundreds of years ago.

Traditional wooden 'patio' boardwalks hang overhead from the stores and line the cobbled streets.

Patriotic Texas flags flutter in the (very likely) humid breeze with pride.

Scents of genuine leather penetrate the air, shop windows packed with goods from the works of traditional leather-makers and boasting everything from handmade saddles, reigns, wallets, boots, belts, to souvenirs.

Twice daily, except on major holidays or in extreme weather, the Texas Longhorn cattle and bulls herd are led by real Texan drovers—a small parade of heritage walking right down the main road of the square.

The entire vicinity, including the grand open-house eatery and railway train building, Mule Alley, old Livestock Exchange, and surrounding buildings were once dedicated to giant livestock trades and was the exact site for the largest horse and mule market in the world.

The Livestock Exchange Building was the main corporate headquarters and trading floor, built in 1902 and the hub for millions of dollars of deals. Still standing today but no longer the main hub of operation, the old pens and surrounding animal housing have mostly been converted or preserved with high consideration for touristic enjoyment, including a dedicated Stockyard Museum. Some live auctions for livestock and cattle are still hosted today.

Do not forget to indulge in the juicy, incomparable BBQ brisket when you're in Texas—oh, and pack your sunscreen.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

I was pleasantly surprised by this city and its history, cleanliness, walkability, and general ease to explore with wonderful sights. It's high up in my list for many reasons.

Not only do you have a city with typically stunning architecture, historical buildings, bridges, and typical main attractions sprawling its beautiful waterfront setting, but the city frequently invites you to read, learn, slow down, and relax.

Because of its compact size and efficient layout, Boston is regularly regarded (even globally) as one of the best cities to visit based on its incredibly easy ability to simply stroll and explore.

Another great bonus is a lot of your trip does not need to be designed before you arrive. High-functioning executive planners of a trip can take a sigh of relief as the area boasts friendly markers and pointers, leading you along pre-planned routes and recommended sights. A go-with-the-flow explorer attitude works wonders here, with treats seemingly at the end of every avenue.

From winding cobblestoned residential pathways through colourful homes (with some surprising, resident turkeys...), to shipyard military buildings and historic sites, to ending up in beautiful, luscious parks brimming with flowers and woodland critters, Boston promises something for everyone, of any age.

The Freedom Trail was established in 1951 and is a 2.5 mile walking route around the best of Boston city centre.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

If we're still talking about cities that leave an unforgettable mark, then this is a certain contender for the title. Nashville was actually one of the last cities that I visited in my travels across the U.S, so I wasn't sure it could make an impression the way others had by this point.

I may be slightly biased with this one because I love music, but there's no way you can head to the main street of Nashville and not have your head turning in awe... eyes wide open under the lights vamping up at dusk, ears full of chatter and bustling while overlapping notes of bass, licks of light guitars, and the snippets of distant, thick-accented lyrics flow through the alleys.

Nashville is highly regarded as the birthplace of 'Country' music, though its roots heavily intertwine with bluegrass, gospel, R&B, soul rock, and honky-tonk blues music, and its entire scene devotes itself to the live creations mostly all through the day and night.

Notice the spreads of signatures, album arts, singles, vinyls, and records that plaster many-a-wall in the downtown haunts, and lose yourself in a fleeting snippet of history--testament to the countless artists who came before, and those still to come.

So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and listen to the buzz of pure, authentic music with talented voices, powerful instruments, and in-the-moment artistry.

An honourable mention also has to go to Memphis, Tennessee... if you're still into the music scene, visit the old recording studios and musical stomping grounds for the likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.

4. Seattle, Washington

I can't be biased with Seattle, having visited on a typical Pacific Northwestern day—a thick ceiling of hanging cloudcover, consistently cold seabreeze, and unrelenting, drizzly raindrops lingering in the air.

Seattle felt like an oxymoron to me. Dejected, lifeless, and a shame not to see it full of former glory (through no fault of its own), we actually visited in early Autumn of 2020, or in other words, the desolate and slow comedown from the peak pandemic era.

Seeing shutters over once-vibrant waterfront buildings, empty outdoor seating areas, closed fun-fairs, quiet walkways... it felt like a ghost-town of abandonment. But despite this, you could still feel a penetration of what spirit it should have—how it would feel in high season, echoing with laughter, looking over the summertime views of the Puget Sound or with ice creams in the (rare) beaming sun.

The charm still permeated.

It's not just the setting for the wings of Grey's Anatomy, Sleepless in Seattle, and the outskirts of Twilight—so if you were going to, don't write it off as that.

That gorgeous, quaint view of the Space Needle and the modest city alongside it holds such appeal, emotion, and magnetism. Not to mention, those frequent glimpses of the backdrop of magnificent Mount Rainier? Remarkably sentimental.

Which brings me to beg, even though we're inside a blog recommending cities... if you're in the vicinity of Seattle, then you must make time for one (or all three, if I can persuade it) of the Washington National Parks. Trust me.

5. Destin, Florida

Topping at the smallest city in my list, if you're on the East Coast, this is one of my favourite beach stops in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.

Just twelve hours east from Austin, Texas, crossing the state line into Florida and seeing the lines of palm trees and swathes of powder white sand was always a welcome treat when we wanted a 'vacation' beach break and a camping opportunity further afield.

I have fond memories of giant Pelicans sat on the pillars of wooden jetties and beneath them, the Gulf of Mexico's lapping waters boasting beautiful, inviting greens from deep emeralds to jades in the sun—always heavily contrasted with some of the purest white sands I've ever seen.

With a sweet little beachfront lined with attractions for the family, fun-fair style attractions, fishing expeditions, boating and water activities, a plethora of watering holes and eateries, plus a mix of accommodations from cheaper motels through expensive franchises (including Florida-founded and nationwide favourite Margaritaville), Destin is the one-stop shop for a lively yet relaxing break.

One of the best sunsets I've ever witnessed was just 7 minutes drive down the road (roughly 2.5 miles east), at Henderson Beach State Park. Another highly recommended stop with a small entrance fee, you're guaranteeing a quieter, mostly uncrowded location (especially on weekdays) and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy preserved natural beauty among its untouched, sprawling sand dune landscape and 6,000 feet of open Gulf shoreline.

There are bountiful opportunities for birdwatching, observing plants, and sea life viewings among the nature trails or along the beaches. The Florida panhandle is home to a variety of wildlife and sealife such as Bullsharks and Hammerhead sharks, dolphin pods and manatees, sea turtles and stingrays, plus an array of seabirds such as Willets, Sanderlings, or the occasional Osprey in the skies.

Destin is commonly known as the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village', with an incredibly rich marine ecosystem and high chances of wonderful natural viewings.

Honourable mention also goes to Fort Lauderdale Beach, my second favourite in the state of FL.

6. Washington D.C.

Another city with fantastic walking potential and the likelihood of seeing 30,000 steps per day on your step counter! Unless you grab a city bike or segway, of course... Enter Washington D.C. for another best city contender for walkability and exploration potential.

With well-known landmarks ranging from the Lincoln Memorial, National Monument, Reflection Pool, WWII Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the Freedom Wall, Martin Luther King Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial—and of course the very heart of the U.S.A with its government buildings of the White House, the Capitol, and the Library of Congress—it's utterly impossible to be bored of incredible architecture, humbling monuments, and fascinating, rich U.S. history here.

Just outside Washington D.C. in Virginia (but attached with seamless public transport) makes visits to the Pentagon grounds and the humbling Arlington National Cemetery possible. John. F. Kennedy's grave with the eternal flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are usually the must-sees inside the solemn grounds, including its dignified changing of the guard ceremony, guarded day and night, 365 days a year.

A last great fact about the city is its surprising lack of tall skyscrapers and bulky, cityscape dominance. The sprawling grounds, parks, and monuments are lined with trees, walkways, water, and open skies, giving the overall feel of Washington D.C. a far less cramped vibe compared to many other State counterparts. The lack of looming metal gives a much more natural and less-commercialised enjoyment to its exploration, and ensures the Capitol Building remains the tallest within the city borders.

Top reminder: For entry into any of the famous landmarks or museums, make sure to do your research about applying for entry BEFORE your trip, as some applications require pre-booking or tickets (even if free of charge—wait lists for the Capitol Building and heading up the Memorial are extremely common.) Don't leave it to an on-the-day disappointment!

There are over 100 memorials in D.C., each with their own charm, story, and unique design. I highly recommend viewing as many as possible if your time allows.

Pro tip: Ensure to visit the city once again at night, opening up an enchanting and vibrant second perspective with the city lights.

7. Savannah, Georgia

If you're searching for a wonderfully vibrant, peaceful city with the backdrop of magnificently memorable trees that could be at least four times older than you are—look no further than Savannah, Georgia.

Famed for its enchanting Southern live oaks that drip with Spanish moss— capturing sunrays like a painting and swaying lightly in the summertime breeze—many of the trees can boast 100-foot crown spreads, making mesmerising photos and abundant walkways underneath their beautiful, shaded canopies.

Other quaint features that contribute to Savannah's wonderfully picturesque reputation are its cobblestone-lined historic district, manicured parks with marble water fountains, and typically Antebellum architecture with its muted colour palette and intricate designs.

Many of the remaining grandiose plantation houses that once projected high status boast their typically symmetrical, wrap-around porches, white pillars, and sprawling grounds. Mansions of this caliber were the symbol of immense wealth in the 1830s-1860s era of exploitation and slave labor, before the Civil War, with some lying immaculately preserved today among the downtown roads in historical squares.

The most famous photo spot would be the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain, erected in 1858 and a staple centrepiece of the wonderful park and lush surroundings. For the 'money' shot with the pathway canopy of trees, you'll want the north side looking south.

This one-of-a-kind Southern city with its plethora of photo opportunities and unforgettably mesmerising trees has to make it to your travel list.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

Swapping from peaceful and tranquil to lively, upbeat, and energetic—New Orleans is high on anyone's list for atmosphere alone.

From colourful festivals with raucous costume and street parades such as the Mardi Gras; to sampling Southern comfort food such as finger-licking gumbo and renowned Creole and Cajun-influenced cuisine; to soaking up the lively Dixieland jazz and nightly live open-mics; to wandering among historic architecture and the famous French Quarter district—New Orleans is another location where you can't help but be captivated by its hearty energy and soulful pull.

A typical foodies-paradise, you won't be short of finding tantalising eateries and family-run restaurants that serve up the best tastes of Louisiana.

With Gumbo being the official state food, you can't leave without trying the rich, slow-simmered stew that blends French, West-African, and Native American cooking techniques in one flavoursome dish. Another great thing about it is the diversity of protein—it's usually your choice of chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, crab, oysters, or even bacon. Of course, mixing seafood and meat is a no-go, but layering certain flavours together can create an incredibly tasty meal!

Furthermore, NOLA is also one city to offer thrillseekers an eerie undertone... if you enjoy immersing in more creepy or scary vibes, make sure to learn about its origins of voodoo, and mysterious paranormal activity that can bring a haunting, heavily spiritual vibe to the city... especially at nighttime.

Also one of the only places to guarantee alligator viewings besides Florida and the Everglades, you can head further afield into the marshes and typically swampy marshlands to get an up-close look.

To ensure you don't miss the main heart of an experience in NOLA, make sure Bourbon Street is on your bucket list, Jackson Square and St. Louis' Cathedral, and other strolls around the adjoining colonial streets of the French Quarter district—founded at least 300 years ago back in 1718.

9. San Diego, California

Another city pinned on the West Coast but instead heading south (by about 20 hours' road trip), you'd be swapping the moodiness and greys of the PNW and Seattle for the sticky, sandy, and sunny state of California.

In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes for California cities from what I'd heard about Los Angeles (i.e., go nowhere near and just visit Hollywood). San Francisco was of course a good hotspot, but everyone mentions that.

San Diego is like the surfs-up, carefree cousin of San Francisco. You've got to include some relaxation and recuperation on some of your trips--of course, not all cities are skyscrapers, architecture, and metal!

An array of colour, pub-grub style eateries, funky music bars, souvenir-lined streets, and a wholeeee lot of beach themed decor in hotels and motels give San Diego the chilled and relaxed vibe that I loved.

Watersports and beach activities are always rife, so grab a volleyball or rent a surfboard to ride the waves—either way, just enjoy the sand and opportunity for light swimming in the ocean.

It's one of the sunniest beaches in the U.S and gets just 10 inches of rain compared to its eastern counterpart--Miami reaches 61 inches per year!

If you can, pick a seafront or coastal motel so you don't need to worry about parking, which can be notoriously difficult especially in the high season months.

Lastly, don't forget the vibrant sunsets—you're on the West coast, so prepare for spectacular views on the horizon line of the Pacific Ocean and some of those sprawling, deeply colourful skies that the nights can give.

10. (Bonus) Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

It's hard for me to stick to the mainland U.S.A when there's some incredible neighbouring additions... so as an encouragement for you to utilise your ESTA, citizenship, or U.S. I.D., you absolutely have to head further afield and travel to some of the islands (or even your biggest State!).

For the purpose of this list though, I've chosen Old San Juan in Puerto Rico: another classic entry engulfed in pure atmosphere, rich history, nature, cuisine, and one colourful melting pot of culture and identity.

A transportation back in time awaits with centuries-old architecture to include historic fortresses, colonial mansions, religious landmarks and cultured plazas—some of the oldest dating back to the 15th Century.

Walking within the city walls and dotted among the welcoming and home-like plazas, you can find refreshing cafes and restaurants offering typical Puerto Rican cuisine, mostly characterized by 'criollo' flavours that feature staple ingredients like mofongo (fried plantains), lechón (roasted pork), and pasteles (a similar mixture of both, green banana blended with masa root vegetable together with stewed pork, and wrapped in banana leaves and boiled!).

Music and dance also make waves throughout daily and annual Puerto Rican life, echoing through the streets with busy festivals and celebrations that can occupy weeks throughout the calendar—picture visions of warm, energetic crowds chattering with laughter, togetherness, and unity.

How many of these have you made it to? Let me know if you head to any of these recommendations, and what you thought about your adventures!

Keep carving your pathway,

-fe