America is a big place. By area, we sit at number four in the world. By population, we are number three. The U.S. ranks second (after France) as the most visited nation, but first in terms of time and money spent.
In other words, there’s a lot to see and do here. Which is why more than 70 million international tourists (and millions more Americans) descend upon popular places such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando and Las Vegas each year.
All deserving spots, no question. But if you want to experience something a little more enigmatic, consider one of these “right side” American cities.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
After a bunch of college kids pillaged it in the 1970s and 1980s—giving rise to the birthplace of “spring break”—Fort Lauderdale (see image above) fell on hard times. The beach was a mess. People reacted with “ew” upon hearing its name. Attendance dropped.
Millions of dollars were spent renovating the beach in the 1990s, but Fort Lauderdale and “A1A, beachfront avenue!” never regained its popular status. Good for you. This place is stunningly beautiful. Who knew the Atlantic could produce Hawaii-esque, picturesque, white-sanded beaches and teal-blue oceans? Fort Lauderdale knows—that’s who.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Photo by Jaime Dillen-Seibel, CC-BY
You probably thought of smokestacks and steel upon reading that. You wouldn’t be alone if you did. But “the Burgh” (as locals call it) is just the opposite. Located at the confluence of three rivers, inviting yellow bridges and green rolling hills, Pittsburgh is drop-dead gorgeous.
The view from Mount Washington is often voted the most scenic of any American cityscape. The ballpark is a looker, too. But Pittsburgh’s beauty is more than skin-deep. There are lots to do (including the exceptional “Bicycle Heaven” museum), cheap food and amazingly friendly people. Even the metalheads are nice!
Charleston, South Carolina
