12 Most Stunning State Capitals in the US
America's capital cities are all-made unique and beautiful through hard work and consistent evolution by driven citizens. These 12 capitals stun and inspire with scenic nature, urban vistas, and countless ways to experience both that will leave their cityscapes imprinted in memory.
Annapolis, Maryland
The stunning city-capital on the Chesapeake Bay is picture-perfect with bay-views. It is a megapolis of art, culture, and history, just 25 miles out-of Baltimore in southern Maryland. There is a galore of things to see and do, like sampling-on the renowned culinary scene rated among top seafood fares in the country. The cultured will love experiencing colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and more at hotspots like the Benson-Hammond House, the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, and the B&O Railroad Museum.
Annapolis boasts many historical landmarks of Maryland's expansive heritage to scavenger on a leisurely stroll through the city. The vibrant Chesapeake Bay is a summertime paradise for water fans, with many activities and bayside events. It is home to the world's largest boat show comprising an annual October tradition with amazing vistas and atmosphere that get locals and tourists excited.
Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginia’s capital is a real stunner, voted best city in America by two travel magazines. Charleston's boasts big personality through modern attractions, and entertainment scene for all tastes, along with beautiful antebellum mansions gracing historical streets. There are centuries-worth of events, from Revolutionary to Civil Wars to uncover with landmarks along the cozy, cobblestoned sidewalks. For a taste of real Charleston, one must visit the intriguing Magnolia Plantation, the Boone Hall Plantation, voted city’s top, as well as the Drayton Hall, followed by a dinner at one of the upscale restaurants. Modern attractions of stylish shops, museums, and performance venues vibrantly contrast old architecture, to peruse in-between sights.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The naturally-beautiful and diverse state where every turn is a looker, Hawaii, boasts one of the nation’s most stunning capital cities. Honolulu crowns the absolutely-gorgeous island of Oahu, with vibrant culture, sights, and seemingly-endless activities for any group to enjoy. Upon conquering the scenic Diamond Head, the beaches galore awaits for scenic relaxation any time of year. There's sunbathing, fun in the waters, as well as fishing and snorkeling at the fantastic Hanauma Bay.
The touristic city is full of modern attractions at the buzzing Downtown Waikiki, such as Leonard’s Bakery selling fried doughnuts known as malasadas. It is imperative to pay an honorable visit to the somber Pearl Harbor National Museum. One can then reminisce on the stoic island at the iconic Roy’s Waikiki restaurant over a macadamia nut crusted fish that is fool-proof at lifting spirits.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The stunning waterside capital is a galore of natural and urban sights. The exploration can begin at the scenic Canal Walk 3-mile downtown loop for strolls, bike rides, or paddling along, followed by visiting city's charming neighborhoods. There is the Mass Ave, Fountain Square for lunch, and the awe-inspiring history along Lockerbie's cobblestone streets.
The city is popular among adrenaline junkies for the famous Indy Racing Experience who get the fill by driving a real Indy race car. Following an exciting day, the city is rated top for inventive cuisine, such as Bluebeard's extensive menu that will intrigue the curious over dinner. There is also the quirky Milktooth serving extraordinary tomato & cucumber tabbouleh dutch baby pancakes from a restored gas station. Hotel Tango is known for delicious variety of cocktails, while The Alexander hotel's glassy facade and artsy décor will stun during the most unique stay.
Madison, Wisconsin
The Budger State's capital sits proudly between Lake Mendota and Lake Mononaas. It is home to the Wisconsin college, sending youthful vibes throughout the city-streets. There is a strong outdoor culture, and many food-centric attractions to refuel after activities and get back to exploring the stunning nature around. The lake shores are great for relaxation, scenic biking and strolls along the trails with natural and urban sights. Madison is the heart of the dairy state, and land of cheese, along with a renowned craft beer scene.
There is the popular Ale Asylum Brewery, and tons more strewing the gorgeous waterfront, such as the Memorial Union Terrace with a patio for drinks over vistas. One must try the best Wisconsin curds at The Old Fashioned, and visit in-time for the city's food festivals in spring. There is the BratFest and Bacon and Brews showing-off city's energy, and the region-famed farmers’ market at the Capitol Square to taste Madison's beautiful spirit in every way. The artsy will love regular good shows at the Majestic Theater, while the Comedy on State is among top alt stand-up comedy rooms in the US.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is a no-brainer top-stunning capital of the nation. Despite its hard to reach location, scores of tourists trot the streets of the largest state's fairly small capital in the surroundings of rich and unique nature. Alaska frontier's atmosphere is palpably different, where one can still feel the presence of the early Alaskan settlers experiencing the same eloquent nature of glaciers, shores, and wildlife. Juneau boasts many modern attractions with beautiful sights all around, and outdoor activities just a sidestep away. After visiting the Alaska State Centennial Museum, there are many renowned restaurants serving dishes with a northern touch. Speaking of northern, aurora borealis is a commoner to Alaskan skies to seek from wilderness, dark waters, and spots along the coastline. For more stunning sights, the Capitol Building is a young Art Deco construction from 1931.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the nation's smallest state capital with 8,000 residents proudly calling it home. The picture-perfect cityscape of quaint streets and church steeples sits in the embrace of Vermont's finest nature. Montpelier spreads scenically along the banks of the Winooski River in the foothills of Green Mountains. Its many quirky attractions from shops to cafes scream-of New England charm, along with independent movie theaters like The Savoy show arthouse films.
There is plenty of hiking around for best views in the fresh air. After conquering the aptly-named Camel’s Hump, it is back to-town for dinner and some culture. One must visit the Vermont History Museum, and take-on the challenge of seeking out every farmer’s market in the city in a single visit. One will be stocking up on fresh, seasonal produce alongside provision workers for the thriving farm-to-table restaurants throughout town that serve various cuisine for dinner.
Nashville, Tennesse
Nashville is a real southern belle of the nation, known for authentic southern hospitality, a hipster vibe, and vibrant history on display, preserved with great care. The highly-energetic city has tons of attractions and activities to cater all, including historical and cultural sites, renowned eating and drinking establishments, and countless music venues. It is home to the world-famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Tennessee, and the popular Robert’s Western World with drinks and live country music.
The naturally-endowed capital is home to the Percy Priest Lake, Montgomery Bell State Park, and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for strolls, relaxation, and recreational pursuits in fresh Southern air. After all the outdoorsy action, one can guiltlessly order for two at the local favorite Jack’s Bar-B-Que.
Providence, Rhode Island
The Ocean State capital is a real charmer, as "New England" as it gets. It is one of the nation's oldest cities, with streets veiled in deep history and fleets of sight-seeking tourists throughout the year. Providence is made for strolls along the historically-lined streets, the scenic waterfront walkways, and the scholarly grounds of Brown University, with various sights. The culture fans will love mingling among locals at the Providence Place Mall and visiting the Providence Athenaeum renowned library, where Edgar Alan Poe browsed for books. The entertainment junkies will get scenically-impressed at the Westminster Arcade's lovely Greek revival facade, and European-styled Constantino’s Ristorante with sidewalk tables and live music. One can enjoy the views and prominent Italian-American vibe of The Federal Hill enclave over a cannoli to-go from Scialo Bros Bakery. There is the Dean Hotel for a trendy and affordable stay in the renovated, cozy rooms, with North restaurant, and a bar scene.
Santa Fe, New New Mexico
Santa Fe boasts unmatched atmosphere in-town and year-round nature around unlike any other capital in the country. The Spanish colony founded in 1610 is still alive in the beautiful Pueblo-style architecture along the streets. Canyon Road is laden with art, including galleries, scenes, and installations, such as the renowned Meow Wolf. The quirky and beloved art piece is immersing for the changing scenery. The outdoor junkies head to the top-ranked best mountain biking city for lovely weather, unique landscape, and sights to enjoy their favorite pursuit. The city boasts 400 miles of trails to rank-up an appetite for its vast culinary galore. The excellent Sazon serves Mexican food with a twist, like the exquisite xochimila dish, while the state's oldest and largest Santa Fe Brewery Company awaits with flagship Happy Camper IPA. The Santa Fe Plaza brims with culture and places to people-watch, while the nearby Inn on the Alameda boasts outdoor hot-tub experience right in the capital's heart. The city is also a wintertime getaway to the New Mexico’s Rocky Mountains for skiing, just 16 miles from downtown.
Sacramento, California
The capital is fourth largest metropolitan area in California, resting scenically within Central Valley. The exciting city with vibrant history was a distribution hub during the Gold Rush, and named "America's Most Diverse" in 2002. It was idolized in the past when people moved with nothing more than a suitcase to try their luck at striking gold, rich, or reaching for the stars. Many still put Sacramento-living on a pedestal as epitome of the "American Dream" with idyllic city trotted-by tourists for many significant attractions. There is the stunning Capitol Building, over 30 museums covering all Golden State's history and diverse culture. The cultured will also love the line-up of modern performing arts venues, Broadway shows, and plenty of local, fun recreation and activities to partake in the outdoors.
Boise, Idaho
Gem State's capital is a vibrant city of fun, culture, and nature to experience through countless pursuits. The beautiful Frank Alley thoroughfare is adorned with art graffiti, whereas the Boise River Greenbelt is a great trail for bike rides and scenic strolls along the waters. The city is strewn with Italian eateries, such as the downtown joint Alavita, with myriad pasta options, pizza, and other cheesy goodness. Boise is state-famous for sunny days-spent browsing the atmospheric Boise Farmer's Market, each Saturday from April into October. It is beloved for flower stands, mingling, and sampling through downtown's fair of local treats. The Idaho Made sells cool and eccentric finds for memorabilia and souvenirs back home. There's also kayaking and paddling the Boise River, as well as the must-see Moon National Monument, just a short trip west of the city. It features cool craters amidst stunning lunar landscape for an afternoon of scenic wanders. The popular Modern Hotel and Bar boasts all amenities at affordable rates, and a renowned outdoor patio scene.
From water-set to deeply-historic, these capital cityscapes boast big character, high energy, and stunning nature. Big or small, what matters is their beautiful spirit with an ability to inspire and create unforgettable experiences within sights.
