9 of the Most Underrated Cities in the US

The nation’s largest urban waterfall flows right through downtown Spokane, and that’s just the city’s most obvious claim to fame. Riverfront Park, where the falls cascade, is a great starting point to any trip. From there, it’s just steps to the historic downtown and its art deco architecture, diverse food scene, craft breweries, and accommodations, such as the historic Davenport Hotel. Beyond its urban side, Washington’s second city offers easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing, all while maintaining Pacific Northwest vibes—and avoiding the Seattle price tag.

One of two US cities on an isthmus, Wisconsin's capital, Madison, sits between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, blending panoramic views with political power—plus a dash of quirky. (Think Portland, Oregon before it went mainstream.) Visitors will find a downtown lined with buskers and drum circles, endless bike trails, and boutique shops—including cheese shops, such as Fromagination. The city is home to UW–Madison, so expect tons of Badger pride, great cafés, buzzy nightlife, and a million ways to get on the water.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the farmers market around Capitol Square—it’s the largest producer-only farmers market in the country.

Maybe you know about the steakhouse scene, but Omaha defies expectations well beyond the dinner plate. For starters, the Henry Doorly Zoo consistently ranks among the world's best—picture yourself enclosed while animals gallivant around you—and the historic Old Market District offers cobblestone streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The city's arts and culture scene is also inexplicably world-class, from fab venues such as the Orpheum Theater to the resident symphony orchestra and opera, the country’s best community playhouse, a nationally recognized children’s museum, and more.

Like Spokane, Greenville's fabulous downtown centers around a waterfall. The Reedy River Falls cascade over granite cliffs, all easily viewed from the pedestrian Liberty Bridge—in other words, it’s stinkin’ pretty. Steps from the falls, tree-lined and string-lit Main Street offers boutique shopping and galleries, cafés galore, and trails aplenty. The city has also emerged as a surprising culinary destination, with 100+ restaurants downtown and James Beard–nominated chefs elevating the comfort of Southern cuisine.

Insider tip: Hop on a foodie-focused tour for the best introduction to this pearl of a city.

Anchoring Colorado’s red-rock-filled West, Grand Junction has exploded in recent years into an outdoorsy getaway that buzzes year-round. In summer, travelers should head up to the Grand Mesa, a flattop mountain full of lakes, forests, and Rocky Mountain–like adventure. In the “colder” months, look to paddleboarding or kayaking on the Colorado River and traversing the Colorado National Monument. For travelers looking for a an outdoor adventure without the crowds or the overwhelming size of Zion National Park, Grand Junction is the perfect destination.

Let’s start with Chattanooga’s natural beauty and access to the outdoors—because it’s top-notch. The city offers world-class rock climbing at nearby crags, scenic fun on the Tennessee River, and hiking trails aplenty, including the Chattanooga Riverwalk. Nearby Ruby Falls and Rock City provide outdoor experiences that toss in family fun, too. Then there’s the revitalized downtown riverfront, the city's craft beer scene and international cuisine, and attractions like the Creative Discovery Museum, and you’ve got a city ready for exploring.

Did you know?: Ruby Falls is a waterfall inside a cave, and there’s an elevator for easy access.

On the wild shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is the largest city—well, “city” might be pushing it—in Michigan’s epic Upper Peninsula. As a regional hub and college town, it punches above its 20,000-person weight, with an eclectic shopping and cuisine scene, from historic candy shops to new-age breweries and beyond. Naturally, though, the outdoors are a big, big draw. Bike trails wind throughout the city and to gorgeous spots like Presque Isle Park, and hiking and ski trails are just minutes away at beloved spots such as Sugarloaf Mountain.

Okay, Eureka Springs isn’t exactly a city—it only has about 2,000 residents—but it's still one of the most charming off-the-beaten-path cities in the US. This magical mountain town feels like stepping back in time, with its entire downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Winding streets lined with Victorian architecture house art galleries, unique shops, and lead to the “healing” springs, such as Basin Spring, that gave the town its name. The nearby Buffalo National River offers superb canoeing and fishing, and local events celebrate everything from blues music to motorcycle culture to opera, especially come summer and fall.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the seriously haunted Crescent Hotel: Hop on a ghost tour.

Tucson offers a more authentic Arizona experience than Phoenix or Scottsdale, with deep Mexican influences, world-class museums, and epic Sonoran Desert landscapes in all directions. Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation recognizes its delicious culinary heritage: It merges traditional Mexican cuisine with innovative Southwestern fusion, so come hungry on a food walking tour. Just minutes away from downtown’s restaurants and arts district, Saguaro National Park provides wild hiking trails among the cacti that gave its name. Fun fact: The park surrounds Tucson on both sides.

Insider tip: Visit November–March, when temperatures are perfect for exploring the hot desert.