The prettiest cities in America
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From cities rich in greenery (Madison and Seattle) to those with stunning architecture (Philadelphia and Chicago) to those that boast incredible beaches (San Diego and St. Augustine), there are beautiful places all across the 50 states.
To find the most picturesque locales around the US, INSIDER consulted polls by travel publications such as National Geographic and Travel + Leisure and research conducted by real estate groups and tourism advisors, like Redfin and Resonance. We also looked at the number of parks cities contained, cities' proximity to stunning natural landscapes, and points of interest including historical sites, unique architecture, and cultural institutions.
In no particular order, here are 21 of the prettiest cities in the country.
Honolulu, Hawaii
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There are plenty of ways to take advantage of island life in Honolulu, where you'll find a variety of incredible beaches, lush vegetation, and unique volcanic landforms.
At Waikiki Beach you can soak up the sun, or go snorkeling or surfing. For a different perspective, check out Diamond Head State Monument. The eponymous crater, formed during a volcanic eruption 100,000 years ago, is a must-see, and the surrounding park offers gorgeous views of the Pacific.
If you've had your fill of outdoor fun, you can get your culture fix at world-class museums including the Bishop Museum, home to a leading collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of American democracy (and cheesesteak), but its architecture is just as noteworthy. From City Hall — the largest municipal building in the US, built in the grand Second Empire style — to Elfreth's Alley, America's oldest residential street, history is everywhere you walk in Philly.
The best way to explore the City of Brotherly Love — which is full of charming side streets, cobblestone alleys, and world-famous murals — is on foot. In fact, in 2017, the real estate site Redfin named Philly the 5th most walkable US city.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Between its Instagram-friendly pastel houses and comforting Lowcountry cuisine, Charleston — which has repeatedly been ranked a top US city by Travel + Leisure — epitomizes southern charm. Thanks to a plethora of art schools and galleries, Charleston's arts scene is also enticing. And in the summer, you can take in a theater, dance, or music performance at the Spoleto Festival.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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