Mention that you’re traveling to Cleveland or Detroit, and you’re more likely to hear crickets.
But just because people haven’t wisened up about these cities yet doesn’t mean that they aren’t exciting. After all, sometimes popular opinion is just plain wrong (remember how many people loved the “Twilight” saga?).
If you want to go to the coolest emerging cities — or the ones that have been quietly amazing for a while now — before influencers get there, plan your next vacation to these underrated U.S. destinations.
You won’t get bragging rights now, but you’ll get to be that person who claims you went to them before they were cool.
12. Saint Louis, Missouri
Like nearby Chicago, which tends to get all the attention, Saint Louis feels as if it were several cities instead of one. Each neighborhood — from artsy Cherokee Street to the trendy Loop to the historic downtown — has its own flavor, enriching the experience of locals and visitors.
Of course, you can’t miss visiting its iconic Gateway Arch, but once you’ve gotten the biggest landmark ticked off, you can head to other attractions like the Missouri Botanical Garden or Laumeier Sculpture Park.
For a mix of culture and fun, take a tour of Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can taste local beer at a National Historic Landmark.
Must-See in St. Louis: Forest Park
The 1904 World’s Fair was held at this 1,326-acre green space that also houses some of the city’s excellent cultural institutions, including a zoo, art museum, history museum and opera theater.
1. San Antonio, Texas
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Texan barbecue, Spanish colonial churches and a gorgeous River Walk are just some of the offerings of this wonderful Texan city. Lost within the massive size of the state, and overshadowed by Austin, Dallas and Houston, San Antonio can more than hold its own against any of these cities.
The famous Alamo is its biggest draw, closely followed by the San Antonio Missions, made up of four 18th-century churches built during Spanish colonization. After taking in these historic attractions, stroll around the city’s riverfront, which has earned its nickname as “The American Venice” and, by night, is the place to be for live music, dancing and bar-hopping.
Best yet, the cuisine here is just as good as in Texas’ more popular cities — don’t leave without trying a breakfast taco, a local favorite.
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