Downtown is often the heart of a city, whether it’s an urban metropolis or a quaint town square. The nation’s best downtowns offer great attractions, a robust and diverse list of things to do, tasty food options, and a high walk score.
If you’re interested in visiting or moving to the best downtowns in the U.S., this list—brought to you by American Home Shield®—has you covered.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Centrally located, action-packed, and filled with enough architectural attractions and freedom sites to please even the staunchest history buff, Boston is arguably the best downtown in the USA.
Attractions
- Old State House: The home of the Massachusetts General Court from 1713 until the end of the 18th century, the Old State House is a National Historic Landmark, a Boston Landmark, and one of the oldest public buildings in the nation. Today, the Old State House is a museum and a stop on the Boston Freedom Trail.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Just a quick walk from the waterfront, Faneuil Hall is where to go if you want to be entertained. The Hall’s cobblestone streets are lined with jugglers, musicians, and circus performers, and the shopping scene is robust.
- Boston Common: The Boston Common public park was designated a Boston Landmark and a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The site includes the Central Burying Ground, the Boston Common Frog Pond, multiple war memorials and victory columns, the Parkman Bandstand, and the iconic Boston Common Tablet and the Declaration of Independence Tablet.
- Public Garden: The Boston Public Garden offers both beauty and history as the first public botanical garden in America. Take a ride across the pond on a Swan Boat or embark on a romantic stroll through the garden’s hundreds of flowering plantings and structures, such as the bronze statues paying tribute to the children’s book Make Way for Ducklings.
Things to do
- Admire the fish at the New England Aquarium.
- Traverse the Freedom Trail.
- Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
- Visit Harvard University.
- Take a Charles River sightseeing cruise.
- Treat your ears at the Boston Opera House.
- Shop at the Haymarket flea market.
- Tour the King’s Chapel church.
- Peruse books at the Boston Athenæum.
Where to eat
Fill up on some of the city’s famed clam chowder at the Boston Chowda Co in Faneuil Hall or oysters at the historic Union Oyster House. Wash down your meal with a glass of one of haley.henry’s rotating wines or a beer at the Beantown Pub.
Walkability
With a walk score of 98 and a bike score of 86, downtown Boston is fantastic for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
2. Nashville, Tennessee
Also known as Music City, downtown Nashville’s Tennessee scene is filled with music studios, concert halls, bars, and restaurants, making it one of the best downtowns in America.
Attractions
- Cumberland Park: There is much to do at this riverfront play space. Gaze over the Cumberland River, let your kids jump around in the splash pad, catch a show at the amphitheater, or get up close and personal with nature at the butterfly gardens.
- Ryman Auditorium: This performance venue is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark due to its past and ongoing contributions to the country music world. The Ryman hosted the Opry debuts of many country music greats, including Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline.
- Country Music Hall of Fame: This Nashville delight was moved downtown in the early 2000s. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, the Country Music Awards Theater, and the country’s oldest letterpress print shop.
Things to do
- Visit one of the honky-tonks on neon-lit Broadway.
- Take a tour of Music Row, Nashville’s most famous street home to the city’s oldest surviving recording studio, RCA Studio B.
- Be wowed by the contemporary visual arts exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.
- Buy freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, and unique crafts at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
- Listen to music at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
- No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting the Grand Ole Opry, located right outside downtown Nashville.
Where to eat
There’s nothing like hot chicken from Prince’s Hot Chicken or Hattie B’s or barbecue from Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Cool off your tongue with some homemade Mike’s Ice Cream & Coffee Bar before heading to the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar to dance off the sugar rush.
Walkability
With tons of sights to be seen closely packed together, downtown Nashville has a walk score of 86 and a bike score of 66.
3. San Diego, California
From the buzzing nightlife scene to marina views, downtown San Diego has a little something for everyone. Its unbeatable location along the San Diego Bay makes it one of the most beautiful downtowns in the USA.
Attractions
- The Star of India: The iron-hulled sailing ship is the fourth-oldest one of her kind still afloat in the United States.
- Seaport Village: This retail strip offers waterfront views, delicious dining experiences, and various shops where you can purchase perfect San Diego mementos.
- Balboa Theater: This 1920s gem was originally a vaudeville theater but now showcases performances from comedy to orchestral accompaniments to popular movies.
- Gaslamp Quarter: The aptly named Gaslamp Quarter gets its moniker from the gas lamps lining its streets. Meander through the boutique shops by day and experience the Gaslamp’s trendy restaurants and bars by night.
Things to do
- Take a trolley tour to catch some views of the Pacific and learn about San Diego’s history.
- Visit the Maritime Museum’s antique military ships and submarine.
- Take the kids to The New Children’s Museum for hands-on fun.
- Catch a Padres game or musical performance at Petco Park.
- Take a boozy brunch harbor cruise on the Hornblower.
Where to eat
Slurp some oysters at The Fish Market while gazing at the ocean at sunset. Grab a burger and beer at Werewolf, street tacos at La Puerta, or all-night treats at Brian’s 24.
Walkability
With a walk score of 97, downtown San Diego is the perfect spot to wear out your sneakers.
4. Athens, Georgia
Historic downtown Athens is the oldest commercial and residential center in the city, but don’t let its age fool you: It is one of the best downtowns in Georgia and is bursting with Southern charm, college life, and live music venues. Named on the National Register of Historic Places, this district includes multiple architectural styles, the Franklin House, the Clarke County Courthouse, and multiple historic churches and buildings.
Attractions
- The Tree That Owns Itself: This historic white oak at the corner of Dearing and Finley was deeded full possession of itself and all the land in an eight-foot radius. Visit the tree to see its famous plaque and stately branches.
- The Double-Barreled Cannon: The only one of its kind, this double-barreled cannon preserved from the Civil War was retired in Athens.
- Bulldog statues: The town has dozens of bulldog statues scattered down its streets. See if you can find them all!
- Morton Theatre: One of the oldest-running vaudeville theaters owned and operated by Black Americans, the Morton Theatre offers as much rich history as it does contemporary performances.
Things to do
- Bike the meandering paths of the Firefly Trail.
- Learn some history on the Historic Athens Heritage Shuttle Tour.
- Shop at one of the many boutiques along E Clayton Street.
- Catch some live music at Georgia Theatre.
Where to eat
Many people consider Athens one of the South’s best food destinations. Nosh on a Bayou Burger at Clocked, traditional Southern cuisine at The Place, or a true Southern homemade breakfast at Mayflower Restaurant.
Walkability
A walk score of 66 and a bike score of 44 make this downtown a bit less pedestrian-friendly than other cities on our list.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Otherwise known as The Loop, downtown Chicago Illinois is known for its vibrant arts and culture community and historic architecture.
Attractions
- Millennium Park Campus: Home to “The Bean,” the brilliant Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park is one of downtown Chicago’s greatest attractions.
- Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world.
- Shedd Aquarium: Shedd Aquarium’s location right on the water only adds to its beauty.
- Chicago Cultural Center: The Cultural Center hosts performances, lectures, and art exhibits and boasts the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome on the planet.
Things to do
- Appreciate the city’s architecture from the water on one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruises.
- Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk to fine-dining spots and art galleries.
- Catch a show at the Theatre District’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, Nederlander Theatre, or Auditorium Theatre.
- Get your adrenaline rushing at the Skydeck Chicago.
Where to eat
Downtown Chicago is one of the best downtowns due to its incredible food choices. Grab a Chicago-style, seven-topping hot dog at Relish Chicago Hot Dogs stand near Millennium Park, eat a slice of deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s, and pick up an early morning coffee at Dollop Coffee Co.
Walkability
Downtown Chicago has an excellent walk score of 94 and a bike score of 81.
6. Boise, Idaho
There’s a reason why people have been migrating to Boise: It has one of the best downtowns in the country, and the area boasts arts, culture, dining, and outdoor beauty.
Attractions
- Idaho Black History Museum: The oldest African American museum in the Pacific Northwest, the Idaho Black History Museum's collections include African American art, artifacts of Boise State University athlete Aurelius Buckner, and a history of Black Americans in Idaho.
- Basque Museum and Culture Center: The Center is dedicated to the preservation of Basque history and culture.
- Julia Davis Park: Wander through this expansive riverfront park, which includes a rose garden, Zoo Boise, playgrounds, a riverfront trail, and the Gene Harris Bandshell that features outdoor concerts.
- Idaho State Capitol: Situated in the middle of downtown Boise is the Idaho State Capitol, where visitors can take free, guided tours.
Things to do
- Bike along the Boise Greenbelt for beautiful views of the Boise River.
- Catch a live music show at the Pengilly Saloon.
- Walk through Capital City Public Market, Boise’s largest market filled with local farmers, artists, and craftspeople offering their wares.
Where to eat
Nibble on various snacks at the Warehouse Food Hall’s plethora of food establishments, order a hearty breakfast at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, and grab a pint at Boise Brewing.
Walkability
Downtown Boise has a walk score of 88 and a bike score of a whopping 99.
