Whether the draw is history, sports, nature, or music, famous U.S. capital cities such as Washington D.C, Boston, Nashville, Denver, and Austin attract visitors from around the world. But America reaches far and wide, and the world’s third-largest country by area packs in dozens of fascinating (and fun) capital cities that often go overlooked in favor of those better known. Find out why you should also add these 10 underrated capital cities to your bucket list of places to visit in the U.S.
Olympia, Washington
Home to famous landmarks such as the Space Needle, Seattle gets a lot of love from tourists — who often skip over the much smaller, yet eclectic state capital, Olympia. Although Olympia, located about 60 miles southwest of Seattle, is home to only about 55,000 residents, the city boasts a burgeoning arts scene and packs a public art collection and a number of museums and galleries into its 20 square miles.
Olympia was also the birthplace of the “riot grrrl” music movement in the 1990s and is still a thriving music hub decades later. Beyond its cultural offerings, Olympia embodies the essence of Pacific Northwest natural beauty. The city boasts an array of picturesque parks, scenic hiking trails, and stunning vistas of Mount Rainier in the distance.
Providence, Rhode Island
Though Providence is the capital of the smallest state in the U.S. by area, it boasts a remarkable blend of culinary experiences, cultural attractions, and sophisticated entertainment in its compact 20-square-mile area. Federal Hill’s Little Italy is the place to go for Italian food, while the city’s West Side is filled with innovative eateries. Providence is also renowned for its rich historic architecture and features eight Local Historic Districts.
Among these are College Hill (home to Brown University), Federal Hill, and Benefit Street — each lined with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Round out your Providence visit with a gondola ride down the Providence River. If you visit during select summer dates, you can end your journey with the magnificent WaterFire event, where the river comes alive with dazzling flames.
Helena, Montana
Known for its breathtaking, wide-open landscapes, Montana lives up to its “Big Sky” nickname. Its capital, Helena, though often overlooked by tourists, is an ideal base to immerse yourself in the state’s stunning natural beauty. Helena is one of the least populous state capitals in the U.S., with just over 33,000 residents. But don’t let the small population deter you — there’s plenty happening in this vibrant city.
A must-visit is Mount Helena City Park, a 620-acre space named for Mount Helena, a 5,468-foot peak in the Rocky Mountain range. Located at the doorstep of the capital, the park offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and opportunities to spot wildlife, all with views of the surrounding mountains and Helena Valley. Helena is also emerging as a microbrewery destination, with nearly a dozen breweries offering a diverse range of craft beers, while the city’s gold rush roots are still apparent at several historic landmarks scattered throughout town.
Sacramento, California
When you’re going up against world-famous coastal cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, it’s easy to get overlooked in California. While Sacramento doesn’t have the beaches of the south or the glamor of the Hollywood Hills, California’s state capital does have a lot going for it. Not only is it one of America’s sunniest cities, but Sacramento also offers plenty of fascinating entertainment options for visitors, a vibrant wine and culinary scene, and a bevy of outdoor adventures right at its doorstep.
A visit to Sacramento could entail museum hopping through the historic 19th-century downtown filled with the architecture of the Old West, dining at farm-to-fork restaurants, tasting wine at dozens of nearby wineries, rafting down the American River, or hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevadas.
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida welcomed a record-breaking 140.6 million tourists in 2023. Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa are among the most-visited Floridian cities, leaving the Florida panhandle passed up for the white-sand beaches farther south. However, the state capital of Tallahassee, located in the heart of the panhandle, has much to offer visitors — and may be even more enjoyable with its quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Tallahassee’s close proximity to Georgia imparts a distinctly Southern charm, setting it apart from other Florida cities. Visitors can walk among the tree-lined streets of downtown’s Railroad Square Art Park, a historic district housing a host of art galleries, public art installations, and local boutiques. Despite its inland location, Tallahassee offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature away from the Atlantic coast. Lake Ella and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park are popular retreats within the city; just outside the city limits you’ll find Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Boise, Idaho
Idaho’s location — between the beautiful mountains of Montana, the lush greenery of Oregon and Washington, and the stunning canyons of Utah — means that many people overlook the state. While you may be tempted to write off Idaho as a mass generator of potatoes and not much more, the state capital of Boise is a far cry from just farmlands and fields.
The city’s skyscrapers compete with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, a contrast that sums up the duality of life in Boise. Foodies and wine lovers thrive in the tree-lined downtown, dining at award-winning restaurants, sampling microbrews, and exploring the urban wine trail. Meanwhile, finding outdoor adventure is easy. Boise boasts direct access to several nature reserves northwest of the city, which offer hikes of all skill levels, from the novice to the more advanced. If you’d rather stay in the city, the 25-mile riverside Greenbelt provides plenty of space to walk, run, or bike. And after a day of adventure, visitors can relax in one of the many hot springs outside of Boise.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Many people visit Louisiana to soak up the jazz music scene, indulge in Creole cuisine, and celebrate Carnival in New Orleans. With NOLA securely in the limelight, the rest of the state is relatively underexplored and underrated, including the capital city of Baton Rouge — home to the tallest state capitol building in the country.
Sitting just 80 miles northwest of New Orleans, Baton Rouge offers a more traditional view of life in the South. Here, you’ll find a host of museums and landmarks to explore the civil rights movement and the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center to discover the area’s flora and fauna. At night, the city comes alive with collegiate energy because it’s home to Louisiana State University. (Be sure to catch a game while you’re in town.) Join the fun or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many acclaimed establishments for some authentic Cajun and Creole comfort food.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Maybe you’re fascinated with Victorian architecture or you’re looking to log some water time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Or perhaps you simply want to splurge on a shopping spree. Whatever your interest, St. Paul has appeal for many types of travelers. Despite all its offerings, this capital city of around 300,000 people is frequently passed up for its flashier “twin” city, Minneapolis.
Founded in 1854 (13 years earlier than its sister city), St. Paul boasts more Mississippi Riverfront (26 miles) than any other major city. St. Paul also claims a number of other impressive records, ranging from its marble-domed state capitol building (the second-largest in the world) to the second-longest skyway walk in the world (five miles) and the longest strip of preserved Victorian homes in the world on Summit Avenue. And if all else fails, a short drive away is the largest shopping center in the country, the Mall of America.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cowboy culture is alive and thriving in Oklahoma City, a state capital that often gets overlooked in favor of more popular cities in neighboring states, such as Denver and Dallas in Colorado and Texas, respectively. The largest city in the state, Oklahoma City has a population of just under 650,000. There’s more to the “Big Friendly” than cowboy boots and rodeos, though.
The Bricktown district, a former industrial area, is now an entertainment hub, running along the Bricktown Canal and offering waterfront restaurants, piano lounges, and chic wine bars. OKC (as it’s known for short) is also home to several prominent museums and monuments, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and Museum of Osteology. And sports fans can get their fix at Paycom Center, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau may be one of the most-visited cities in Alaska, but compared to other capital cities in the U.S., it can safely be described as undiscovered. Given its location, Alaska is more rugged and less accessible than most other states, making it the least-visited state in the country. However, those who venture north are definitely rewarded for their efforts.
Juneau’s quaint downtown sits right on the waterfront and is lined with charming shops, historic buildings, including the bustling Heritage Square. Hike Mount Juneau or take the Mount Roberts Tram up 1,800 feet for the best vistas over the capital and the surrounding Gastineau Channel. Or, make the 20-minute drive to marvel at the Mendenhall Glacier and enjoy more incredible hiking in pristine nature. From Juneau, visitors also have ample opportunities for wildlife activities, from whale-watching tours to bear viewing.
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