Your Guide to my Top Cities in America

The United States brings lots of diversity when it comes to landscapes, culture, cities, and more. Here's a list of my top cities and places that are a must see when it comes to traveling to the United States.

For those of you that are new.. welcome to my blog! My name is Savanna Crowell and I'm a wanderer who likes to share travel tips and favorite destinations. If you are interested in knowing more about my background, travels, or dreams in life, check out the 'About Me' section of my website. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @slc_travels to join me on my journeys!

My Top Cities in America

10. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Known for snowy winter nights and summer lake days, this city is much more beautiful and diverse than you might think.

Some of my favorite spots:

• Stone Arch Bridge

• Minnehaha Falls

• Lake Minnetonka

• Taylor's Falls

• Cathedral of Saint Paul

• Mall of America

Favorite restaurants:

• Punch Pizza

• Pablo's Mexican Restaurant

• Union Rooftop

• Lord Fletcher's

• Spyhouse Coffee

• Milkjam Creamery

• Original Pancake House

• Glam Doll Donuts

• French Meadow Bakery & Cafe

Current Travel Restrictions:

No state-wide travel restrictions currently in place.

9. Seattle, Washington

You may come here to visit the 1962 World Fair's 'Space Needle', but stay for the seafood, beaches, and mountains. For coffee lovers: don't forget to check out the first ever Starbucks!

Some of my favorite spots:

• Pike Place Market

• Space Needle

• Bainbridge Island

• Kerry Park

• Alki Beach

Favorite Restaurants:

• Stateside

• Cafe Juanita

• Cafe Munir (vegetarian)

• Geraldine's Counter Restaurant

Current Travel Restrictions:

No travel restrictions in Washington state.

8. Phoenix, Arizona

This city lies in the middle of the desert with sweeping mountain views and sunny days. But, the city itself has a much more modern feel.

Some of my favorite spots:

• Old Town Scottsdale

• Camelback Mountain

• Papago Park

Favorite Restaurants:

• Grimaldi's

• Sugarbowl

• Snooze

• Tacos Chiwas

• Dino's

Current Travel Restrictions:

There are no current statewide travel restrictions.

7. Miami, Florida

One of everyone's favorite beach/city escape in the states is Miami and for good reason!

Some of my favorite spots:

• South Beach

• South Pointe Park Pier

• Ocean Drive

• Bayside Marketplace

• Vizcaya Museum

Favorite Restaurants:

• BaconBitch

• Nikki Beach

• Taquiza

• La Cerveceria de Barrio Ocean Drive

• Doma

Current Travel Restrictions:

There are no current statewide travel restrictions.

6. Los Angeles, California

It's just like you've seen in the movies, but LA is more than just Hollywood. It has beaches, skyscrapers, celebrities, lush mountains, sea cliffs, and even much more!

Some of my favorite spots:

• Santa Monica Pier

• Malibu

• LA County Museum of Art

• Hollywood and the Walk of Fame

• Universal Studios

• The Getty Villa

• Griffith Park and walk to the Hollywood Sign

Favorite Restaurants:

• Sonoratown

• Intelligentsia

• Cici's Cafe

• Malibu Farm

• The Rose Venice

Current Travel Restrictions:

California has lifted its stay-at-home order but is currently discouraging out-of-state visitors. People are encourage to quarantine for 7-10 days upon entering the state.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

A city that thrives off history, good seafood, and beautiful architecture. Boston is a must-see for anyone visiting the east coast of the USA.

Some of my favorite spots:

• Freedom Trail

• Boston Common

• Quincy Market

• Boston Harbor Islands State Park

• Copley Square

Favorite Restaurants:

• Daily Catch

• Posto

• Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

• Little 'Dipper

• Time Out Market Boston

• Modern Pastry

Current Travel Restrictions:

All visitors, including residents, are asked to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers who have a negative COVID test up to 72 hours before arrival are exempt. Visitors may also test once they arrive in the state, but are asked to quarantine until they receive a negative result.

4. Washington, District of Columbia

The capitol of the USA is much more than just government and politics! There is amazing restaurants, nature, architecture, and much more!

Some of my favorite spots include:

• The National Mall

• Georgetown

• US Capitol and Capitol Hill

• The Wharf

• Old Town Alexandria

• The Smithsonian Castle

• Mount Vernon

Favorite Restaurants:

• Founding Farmers

• Northside Social

• Il Canale

• Levain Bakery

• Urbano

• Pappe DC

• Urban Roast

• Hook Hall

• Sisters Thai

Current Travel Restrictions:

Visitors are asked to get a test within 72 hours of traveling. A PCR test is preferred over antigen test. If you're visiting DC for more than three days, you are asked to limit activities until you get a second test three to five days after your arrival. If that result is negative, you can expand what you do. There are exceptions that don't require testing:

- If you have been fully vaccinated within 90 days and do not have COVID symptoms

- If you have been tested positive for COVID within the past 90 days and don't have symptoms now

- If you're from Maryland, Virginia, North Dakota, or Hawaii

3. New York, New York

The city that never sleeps is a favorite of all that visit. Known for fashion, art, amazing food, and more makes this city on the bucket list of almost anyone! (for more details on the best places to visit while in NYC, check out my NYC travel guide blog post)

Some of my favorite spots:

• Top of the Rock

• Soho

• Central Park

• Brooklyn Bridge

• Times Square

• Battery Park

• The Vessel

Favorite Restaurants:

• The Smile

• Nomo Kitchen

• Alimama

• Electric Lemon

• Levain Bakery

• Johns of Bleecker Street

• Joe's Pizza

Current Travel Restrictions:

People are asked to fill out a New York State traveler health form unless coming from a border state. International travelers are still required to quarantine for 7 days with a negative COVID test 3-5 days after arrival or 10 days with no test.

2. Honolulu. Hawaii

This is actually one city in the US I've never been to, but I've done lots of research and have heard first-hand how amazing this city is. The lush, rugged landscape and thriving downtown makes this a beautiful travel destination.

Some of the best spots:

• Diamond Head

• Hanauma Bay

• Waikiki Beach

• Manoa Falls

• Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

Favorite Restaurants (based off research):

• Waiahole Poi Factory (true Hawaiian food)

• Over Easy

• Liliha Bakery

• Lam's Kitchen

• 8 Fat Fat 8 Bar & Grille

• Bogart's Cafe

• Kona Coffee

• Edible

Current Travel Restrictions:

Travelers 5 and older who want to bypass the 10-day mandatory quarantine must have a negative COVID test results taken within 72 hours of the final leg of departure. You must upload your negative test result to the Safe Travels system before you leave or, as an alternative to uploading, bring a hard copy of a negative test result before boarding your flight.

1. Denver, Colorado

Last, but not least.. the Mile High City! My favorite part of this gorgeous city is the nature and endless outdoor activities. The city itself is very modern and has must-see spots as well.

Some of my favorite spots:

• Red Rocks

• Union Station

• Washington Park

• Larimer Square

• Rocky Mountain National Park

• Boulder

• Bear Creek Lake Park

• Flatirons

Favorite Restaurants:

• Snooze

• Wildflower

• Basta

• Highland Tap and Burger

• Little Man Ice Cream

Current Travel Restrictions:

There are no current statewide travel restrictions.

These are just a few of my favorite places in the United States. The USA is so diverse and every city has so many different things to offer from restaurants, landscapes, culture, and more. I hope I have inspired you to explore more than just the most known cities within the USA. Until next time friends..keep exploring!! xxx, Savanna