5 U.S. Capitals Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Capitals are an odd bunch.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Europe or the States — our default assumption is usually that every capital city is a must-visit.
We hate to break it to you, but that’s not always the case.
When it comes to the U.S. of A., there are some definite snoozers despite boasting awe-inspiring capitols.
We’re definitely not singling out Helena and Augusta.
Okay, maybe we are…
What’s undeniable is that there are a select group of capital cities that do live up to the hype, even if they don’t have the largest population in their state.
So, as a collective effort from our team’s expertise here at Travel Off Path, we present the following 5 U.S. capitals everyone should visit at least once in their life:
Annapolis, Maryland: The Northeast’s Slice Of ‘Europe’
There are few U.S. escapes that are truly reminiscent of Europe, but one such place happens to be a surprising hotspot right now that’s breaking tourism records.
If you haven’t brushed up on 2nd grade homework, you might think Baltimore is Maryland’s capital.
Nope — that would be the timeless dreamscape of Annapolis, more known for housing the U.S. Naval Academy rather than being one of the country’s most vibrant capitals.
Wandering the red-brick streets and colonial waterfront is truly dreamy, where you’ll find stately row-homes and ageless taverns.
History is practically tangible here. I mean, Annapolis is actually older than America itself!
Like a trip to Dublin, there are centuries-old pubs such as Reynolds Tavern and churches even decades older like St. Anne’s Church.
Honolulu, Hawaii: America’s Top Cultural Paradise
It doesn’t matter how you get to Hawaii, you have to vacation here at least once.
The most common gateway is the stunning capital, Honolulu. While you don’t think city vibes when envisioning Hawaii, despite some traffic issues, this urban sprawl home to famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, is a safe haven for tourists to unwind oceanside., scoring an impressive 83/100 on our safety index.
Honolulu has some of the island state’s best resorts, such as Halekulani and incredible locals eats more wallet-friendly than ritzy, celeb-riddled Maui.
There’s really no bad time to visit this sunny hotspot either, where you can surf, shop ’til you drop, hike through lush greenery, or snorkel the pristine waters of Hanauma Bay.
The one downside to Honolulu is traffic. Make sure to hop aboard to new airport train to avoid gridlock.
Austin, Texas: The South’s ‘Weirdest City’
Austin and Portland have been duking it out for years for the title of America’s weirdest city.
It’s honestly a toss-up, but Austin has taken on a new identity over recent years becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, but it’s undeniably the South’s weirdest city — and they embrace it.
While commercialism ruined pockets of the city’s former ‘weirdness’ with off-the-wall food truck parks and oddball shops closing up shop in favor of a ever-expanding skyline, there’s still death metal-themed pizza shops and the constant madness of 6th Street every weekend.
Spring is perfect for scenic hikes up Mount Bonnell or the vast Greenbelt, while summer is a great time to enjoy multiple lakes or soak in the clear waters of Barton Spring to beat Texas’s relentless humidity.
It’s impossible to go hungry here. If Austin has stayed consistent in one category, it’s food. Barbecue galore and breakfast tacos galore.
Despite rumors of a serial killer being on the loose for years, travelers claim to feel safe in this wild capital, scoring an 80/100 — a tick behind Honolulu.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Where Traditions & Luxury Collide
This is one of those states where people often mistake the capital.
No, it’s not Albu-quirky as I call it — it’s nearby Santa Fe, one of the most unique capitals in the nation.
Not only is surrounding nature astounding with winding rivers and towering mountain backdrops, but the city itself is a mix of etched-in-time adobe marvels and modern eats and hotels intertwined with shops selling every turquoise trinket imaginable.
New Mexico isn’t just desolate roads where you count how many tumbleweeds you’ve seen, it’s brimming with pastime heritage, and there’s no better place than Santa Fe to savor it firsthand.
Most notably, unlike the sketchy streets of Albuquerque, tourists feel much safer an hour away in Santa Fe.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Passport Loophole
Not to tick off Bad Bunny haters, but if you’re craving a Caribbean getaway without the hassle of customs, Americans don’t need a passport to have the vacation of a lifetime in Puerto Rico’s stunning capital.
That’s right — visiting Puerto Rico is as simple as any other capital listed thus far except you get unparalleled culture and immaculate beaches.
Plus, it’s a lot closer for many Americans than Honolulu, not that they’re the most comparable getaways.
Much of San Juan feels like what Havana should be — a safe, well-preserved colorful cityscape with surprises at every turn, scoring the highest with 84/100 on this list.
Of course, there are bad apples everywhere, but this city is made to be explored on foot, so pack your flip-flops for gorgeous blue-water beaches and your best walking shoes to tackle cobbled walkways.
