What makes a neighborhood beautiful? Is it the objective elegance of its architecture? Is it the greenery that adds nature to a human landscape or is it the culture? Maybe it’s the stories of the past that makes it uniquely memorable?
The most beautiful neighborhoods in the country have a slice of all of this. They combine past with the present, good food with great art and create a corner of the city worth coming back to.
10. German Village, Columbus
The German Village as we know it today was established in the heart of the 19th century and continues to showcase the character, charm and architecture from all those years ago. The Village’s brick-lined streets give way to brick homes and storefronts that make wandering the neighborhood a joy. Beck, Deshler and Mohawk streets are must-sees.
Delicious eateries, pastry shops and cafes abound while local parks are equally endearing, so too the 32-room Book Loft library. Afterwards, check out the neighboring brewery district.
9. Georgetown, Washington
The oldest neighborhood in the nation’s capitol city, Georgetown is full of latent charm, historic sites, scenic river views and a whole lot of good food. You’ll find all the shopping you can handle here too, from boutiques to well-known brands.
To experience its beauty, take the crew to the Georgetown waterfront and out on the Potomac River, where you can kayak along enjoying the DC skyline or live it up on a BYOB cycleboat. Once complete, let your tastebuds live it up at Washington Harbor which teems with award-winning restaurants.
For more nature, explore Dumbarton Oaks and wander Tudor Place.
8. South Beach, Miami Beach
When people say they’re going to Miami, they often mean specifically South Beach. The neighborhood epitomizes what makes Miami tick. And it’s more than just endless white sand beaches and turquoise seas.
By day you can experience that largest concentration of art deco architecture on the face of the earth. These include old hotels with stories streaming from its pores to historic buildings that show Miami’s boom in the first half of the 20th century.
However, bringing you back to the present are the atmospheric beach trails, fluorescent roller skaters and gym buffs. Folks are always out enjoying the South Beach beauty. So there’s no guilt when it comes time to order another cocktail after dark.
7. Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s premier neighborhood, Over-The-Rhine is a hub of cultural activity, events, shopping, plenty of beer and sightly buildings. The neighborhood preserves the stories of the past, from German/Italian immigration to the flow of folks to the west in its memorable murals, museums and architecture. These provide context to the space as you enjoy OTR’s delectable culinary scene.
Free streetcars will help you get from the Northern Row Brewery all the way down to Washington Park and even to The Banks if you wish to take a peak at Kentucky. Along the way be shore to stop at the city’s olden public market, Findlay Market and take in a show at the Cincinnati Music Hall.
6. North End, Boston
There’s much beauty to be found in Boston’s North End from it’s row of warm-lit Italian restaurants to the Old North Church. However, it’s the historic importance, from the arrival of the Puritans to the bars the fettered a revolution that make it such a great visit.
Boston’s Freedom Trail eventually courses through the North End before making its way to the infamous Bunker Hill. Along the way, you’ll find the home of Paul Revere, Faneuil Hall and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
Just like when the Puritans spread to the rest of the city, the North End population has been consistently replaced by immigrating communities from the Irish to Germans and Italians, creating a unique cultural tapestry and culinary gems.
5. La Jolla, San Diego
The Jewel by the Sea, La Jolla has a memorable blend of natural beauty, spectacular beaches and charming village atmosphere. The dramatic coastline, a jewel along a grand West Coast, makes La Jolla a popular beach destination. In fact, the town is surrounded by endless seas on three sides.
That sets an incredible scene, but lets explore the neighborhood proper. Upscale and often luxurious, you’ll find unique boutiques, top-shelf restaurants, fantastic art galleries and museums not to mention some of the country’s premier golf courses. All come with views of the impressive coast.
4. French Quarter, New Orleans
Today, the French Quarter may be most renowned for its hurricane cocktails, drunkards on Bourbon and Mardi Gras but what lies behind the charade is a district beyond beautiful. The flair and communal spirit make New Orleans a special and unique part of U.S. society but in the French Quarter we all get to take a trip to the country’s early years.
The Quarter was first established as a military grid and the district harbors the tales of Spanish, French, English and American occupation. Not to mention the arrival of Acadians (Cajuns) from the Great White North. It all blends into an unparalleled cultural and foodie hot spot where stunning architecture is as equally haunted. Ghost tours are as required as the beignets.
3. Greenwich Village, New York City
With the Financial District lingering in the background with her glistening high-rises, Greenwich Village remains an unflinching historic district. Once declared an independent republic (I know!) and the haunt of Jack Kerouac, beatniks and bohemians, Greenwich is a vibe unto itself.
This gem of lower Manhattan is now one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, you know ‘cause culture, culture, culture. Sure, we may not be able to live here but walking it is a genuine treat. Stone, bricks and wrought iron blend to create rows of elegant apartments, while the trees and tarmac become one.
Its artistic, literary and activist heritage continues within counter-culture galleries and hotspots like the Stonewall Inn.
2. Pacific Heights, San Francisco
Sophistication, mansions and panoramic vistas are what travelers should expect upon arrival in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights. Towering over the Pacific Ocean, this neighborhood is a top spot to photograph the Bay, the infamous Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pacific Heights personifies neighborhood beauty along its rows of gorgeous homes, where one can simply wander and admire what lies on either side. For the most gargantuan homes, check out Baker and Clay streets. Later, eat your way down Filmore Street, admire the Lyon Street steps (walk them if you still have energy) before collapsing with a b.patisserie croissant at Alta Plaza Park.
1. Savannah’s Historic District
The charm of Savannah is ever-apparent in its Historic District. Having lost none of its old colonial vibes, the cobblestone streets old-time buildings are more European than American. That is until the oaky gardens and draping Spanish moss remind you that yes, you’re exploring the Low Country.
The National Historic Landmark District is teeming with museums, forts and eerie cemeteries that preserve the city’s past and apparent haunted present. Halloween anyone?
But it’s the Historic District’s atmosphere, fun-time vibes and foodie culture that makes it such a popular destination. Come and uncover festivals, art, and theater, Low Country cuisine and great weather.
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