The 11 Most Gorgeous Historic Downtowns in the United States

Savannah, Georgia

Have you ever visited Savannah, Georgia? This city’s downtown is gorgeous and filled with history! Savannah is a city in Chatham County that is home to over 140,000 people. This old historic city was established nearly 300 years ago on February 12, 1733.

Downtown Savannah, Georgia, is a fun place to visit with so much history. The Savannah Historic District is filled with incredible buildings and landmarks, including the John Williamson Range, William Taylor Stores, Herb House, and William Scarbrough House.

Not only can you visit historic sites, but also green spaces like Forsyth Park, which was created in the 1840s.

San Diego, California

Next on our list of historic downtowns in the United States is downtown San Diego, California. This lively downtown is also home to the eccentric and historic Gaslamp Quarter. This unique quarter blends modern and Victorian architecture. Even if you don’t enter one of the many breweries or shops in the Gaslamp Quarter, visiting the area is a must!

Downtown San Diego is also a cultural mecca. You can find foods from all over the world and exciting attractions. Some downtown attractions include the San Diego Zoo, The New Children’s Museum, and Balboa Park.

Athens, Georgia

Another Georgia downtown makes our list. Athens is a largely populated city in Clarke County, Georgia. This North Georgia city is widely known for its history and gorgeous architecture. While the whole city is beautiful, the downtown area is something else.

Downtown Athens is filled with art, music venues, delicious food, canopied walks, and more. While here, you can explore attractions like the Music Walk of Fame, African American Heritage Pathway, and Morton Theatre. Other music venues include the 40 Watt Club, Georgian Hall, Nowhere Bar, The Foundry, and Live Wire Athens.

Chicago, Illinois

There was no way downtown Chicago wasn’t making our list of the most gorgeous historic downtowns in the United States. Chicago is a stunning and vibrant city in Illinois, with a population of about 2.7 million. It’s one of the most well-known large cities in the U.S.

Downtown Chicago is a blast to explore. You can get lost walking through tall buildings and the city’s many museums. So, what is there to do in Chicago? While here, visitors can take a tour of the Chicago River (or kayak), visit the Chicago Cultural Center, walk the award-winning Chicago Riverwalk, see the Bean, and see stunning Chicago views on the Skydeck in Willis Tower.

Greenville, South Carolina

Moving to the south, another great downtown in the U.S. is downtown Greenville in South Carolina. Greenville is in Greenville County and has been around since at least 1831. This gorgeous city is home to about 70,000 people and has a surface area of 30.02 square miles.

So, what makes this U.S. downtown stand out amongst the thousands of others? Downtown Greenville is a scenic urban space perfect for enjoying weekends. In downtown, you can enjoy the peaceful river walk. Also in downtown are the Upcountry History Museum, Greenville Zoo, Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, Greenville Theatre, and Downtown Greenville – Main Street.

Boise, Idaho

Unsurprisingly, one of the most gorgeous historic downtowns in the United States is in Boise, Idaho. Boise is surrounded by stunning mountains and green spaces. Boise is the capital of Idaho and has a surface area of about 230,000. The city also has a surface area of 85 square miles.

Downtown Boise was founded in 1863 and still holds many historic buildings like the Cyrus Jacobs House and the Perrault Building. Apart from its history, visitors can also enjoy the downtown’s over 100 restaurants and shops. This walkable area is also home to many incredible annual festivals. Plan a visit to downtown Boise for Boise Fashion Week, Winefest, Pride Fest, Boise Flower & Garden Show, and the Gene Harris Jazz Festival.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is an unforgettable city in the United States. This lively city is a perfect place for foodies and jazz and history lovers. New Orleans welcomes about 20 million people every year. In 2022, Louisiana saw 42.6 million domestic and international visitors.

Downtown New Orleans is bustling. There is an endless list of things to do, see, and eat, including the various festivals and events held in New Orleans. This walkable Louisiana downtown is easy to navigate and about two miles long. Within Downtown New Orleans is the well-known French Quarter. While here, you can dine on delicious alligator bites and Cajun and Creole food. Other popular things to do downtown are walking Jackson Square and visiting the many historical museums. If you dare, you can also take a haunted ghost tour at night.

Alexandria, Virginia

Also on our list is Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria is on the Potomac River and is a close drive to Washington, D.C. This old and historic city was founded in 1749 but was incorporated as an independent city in 1870. Its population is about 155,000, while its surface area is 15.35 square miles.

Downtown Alexandria is a hidden gem and treasure. It’s on the river and features stunning centuries-old architecture. Some historic attractions, sites, and museums to consider when visiting Alexandria are the Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, and the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site.

Boston, Massachusetts

Another old and iconic city makes our list, Boston. Boston, Massachusetts, was settled in 1625. This New England city was incorporated as a city on March 19, 1822. Boston is an excellent city for American history lovers to visit. So much has happened in this vibrant city, including the Boston Tea Party.

One day is not enough time in Downtown Boston. When visiting, you can take history tours and food tours and explore on your own. Some incredible places to visit downtown include the Old City Hall, Old State House, Money Museum of Boston, Emerson Urban Arts: Media Art Gallery, and the Orpheum.

Bend, Oregon

Not a lot of people know about Bend, Oregon, but this wonderful city is worth a mention. Bend is in Deschutes County and has a population of around 100,000. This Central Oregon city was incorporated on January 4, 1904, although European settlers were in the area as early as 1824.

Downtown Bend is picturesque and a very family-friendly place to visit. The city hosts many events and festivals like Oktoberfest, Poochella, ​First Friday Follies, and more. This charming downtown is a great place to take a stroll, dine, and shop. There are over 70 restaurants and 300 businesses.

Burlington, Vermont

Last but not least on our list of the 11 most gorgeous historic downtowns in the United States is Burlington, Vermont. Burlington is a city in Chittenden County that was settled by Europeans in 1783 but was incorporated as a city in 1865. About 45,000 people live in this city, which is the most populated city in Vermont. The surface area of this city is 15.49 square miles.

So, why has this city’s downtown made our list? Downtown Burlington is breathtaking. This thriving downtown has a little bit of everything, including theaters, art museums, historic buildings, food, and more. A popular destination in Downtown Burlington is the Church Street Marketplace. Near this marketplace is the Burlington Waterfront Park on the Lake Champlain Shoreline.