6 American Cities to Visit That You’ve Probably Been Sleeping On

From sprawling metropolises to charming mid-sized cities, there are certain destinations in the U.S. that have become such a trend that they’ve almost started to feel a bit obvious — as undeniably awesome as they may be.

All the while, there are hundreds of American cities that travelers might not immediately think of as destinations. But that doesn’t mean that these cities are any less wonderful. Not to mention, traveling to one of these under-the-radar locales makes all the difference in how you experience a city and can give your visit a more personal feel and sense of discovery.

Whether you’re planning a road trip across the country or a weekend getaway with your bestie, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has the best accommodations no matter where you travel. These properties are carefully designed to reflect the local character of a city, and situated in the best neighborhoods to boot. Staying in one of their many centrally located hotels gives you an authentic local experience — add in creature comforts and personalized care, and there’s just no comparison.

To help you curate your next trip around the US, we’ve partnered with Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of independent hotels, each with its own unique flavor that ties seamlessly to its surroundings. Here are six under-appreciated American cities you should plan a trip to ASAP.

1. San Luis Obispo, CA

Those in the know abbreviate this city using its initials (SLO, pronounced “slow”) which also aptly describes the breezy local lifestyle of this cozy California hamlet — un-rushed, taking its time to swill and lovingly sip the natural wine. Located smack-dab in the middle of the state’s central coast wine country, San Luis Obispo boasts the best of Golden State cuisine and libations, with a small town vibe that will charm you instantly. Check out the nearby beaches, tour the area’s many wineries, or hike the picturesque hills just outside of town. Book your stay at The Kinney San Luis Obispo, A Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a picturesque escape that perfectly captures the town vibe. If you love local brews and games, check out the hotel’s pub Leroy’s on Wednesdays for trivia night.

2. Lititz, PA:

This historical Pennsylvania Dutch town is known for its well-preserved historical architecture attracting day-trippers from around the area. Founded in 1749, visiting Lititz is like stepping back into the eighteenth century, albeit with modern creature comforts like bustling restaurants, indie boutiques, and farmer’s markets bursting with fresh produce and locally-made pies. For the most pleasant accommodations steeped in local history, stay at The Wilbur Lititz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton — originally the Wilbur Chocolate Company factory — which still features many of the original details and brickwork.

3. Hot Springs, AR:

It’s all in the name when it comes to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This city is home to one of the United States’ first federally preserved ecological areas Hot Springs National Park, which contains several natural hot springs. Travelers have flocked to this town as a spa destination since the nineteenth century, and today, the streets are decked with an eclectic mix of architecture from Victorian to Art Deco style. Hot Springs has something for everyone — from avid outdoors people, to gourmands, to wellness aficionados. Park yourself overnight at The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hiltons, located in the historical Thompson Building, designed by George R. Mann, the architect behind the Arkansas state capitol building. Definitely have a bite and drink at the Rooftop Bar, which boasts panoramic views of Downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row.

4. Knoxville, TN:

Located at the threshold of Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee showcases many of the gems of Appalachia. Visiting Knoxville means taking in a gorgeous natural setting, sampling all of the sweet and savory Southern food, and enjoying all the bluegrass music your little folk-loving heart can take. Home to the University of Tennessee, this town has all of the accessible character and liveliness a college town should. To be in the center of it all, stay at The Cumberland House Knoxville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which is less than a mile away from the dining and shopping hub of Market Square and features decorations that nods tastefully to the city’s history in textiles.

5. Salt Lake City, UT:

This gem of a city is remarkable in so many ways. It’s the closest major city to five of the United States’ National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef) and brimming with history and adventure. If you’re interested in snowboarding, skiing, or snow tubing, there are innumerable perfect-looking mountains to shred that proverbial gnar (or just visit for the obligatory snowsuit pic, as if you did). Furthermore, the dining, shopping, and entertainment scenes of the city feature diverse cuisine, boutiques, and shows that will keep your schedule booked the entirety of your trip. Book a stay at The Peery Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located in Central City, just a few blocks from the Utah Contemporary Museum of Art. Built in 1910, the hotel is a historical landmark that perfectly showcases a mixture of original details and modern furniture for a past-meets-present feel.

6. Saratoga, CA:

Located a short drive away from the bustling campuses of Silicon Valley and Stanford University, this Northern California small town is a cozy retreat from the buzzing culture of modern-day tech. Saratoga is sandwiched between many of the major startup cities, making this residential community more modernized than the average small town. Between the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance and the hiking trails passing by historical villas, the outdoor life in this town is nothing short of sublime. For the complete “nature retreat” experience, stay in The Inn at Saratoga, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, an International Hotel & Property Awards Winner in 2021. Located above Saratoga and Wildwood creeks, enjoy the babbling brook in your creekside room, many of which have balconies with views — and of course, being so close to the tech hubs, the rooms come loaded with many digital amenities.