Which is the best southern US city to visit?

[Greasyman]

I've been to almost every state in the u.s. and many big cities. I'd suggest L.A. if you want warmth and adventure. I've only been there for a couple of days but it seemed much more interesting than I'd expected, much prettier than I thought it would be also. Plus, SF and San Diego aren't too far. Never been to San Diego but SF is every bit as interesting as its reputation had led me to believe. I think Las Vegas isn't too long a bus ride away either. Even if, like me, you don't drink or gamble, it's worth seeing once. No place else like it on earth. Even if you hate it you'll probably still be glad you saw it.

If you're traveling in the summer every city can be hot. I live in Chicago which is well north and it's common for it to be in the 80s and near 100 isn't unheard of. If you'll be here in the summer I'd just stick to the east coast, there are many large and interesting cities that are easy to reach by train or bus, Boston, Washington, New York, Philidelphia, Baltimore and so on. Absolutely go to New York if you want a true urban experience, there is no larger or diverse or interesting city in the US. It is the king of American cities.

 

[dukebound85]

Nashville is a cool city.

seconded. that or savannah ga

when people say south they should mean southeast area. la, phoenix, vegas, etc are all considered "west" imo

 

[yeroen]

New York is great and all, but it's just like London but with taller buildings. You'll see the same fashionable people, high-end retail, expensive restaurants, and wall-to-wall Eurotrash you see in every other big cosmopolitan city around the world.

No, like Hunter S. Thompson said, you need to make this trip a "gross physical salute to the American Dream"

Which means you need to be armed; remember son, America is all about firepower. Overwhelming, badass firepower. If you want to really experience America, walk into any Wal-Mart and get yourself a 44 Magnum and pull off some rounds at the local firing range or out in the middle of the desert. Also to put on your to-do list: eat a chalupa, get a bald-eagle tattoo.

 

[jamesarm97]

I'll second or third Charleston, SC. It is a very historic town and has lots of places to visit downtown. Lots of bars / restaurants and social things to do. Beaches and such.

- James

 

[Diddiyo]

Miami, FL of course?!

make sure to check this

 

[LizKat]

Come over here to New York City. It is possibly the most renowned city in the U.S. with many landmarks and things to do and yes, it does get hot during the summer here.

Skip NYC in August, it is like being in a fajita pan. When I miss the city the most, I remind myself what it was like trying to catch a bus in August even at 9pm, all the ones with A/C were crowded and the ones you didn't want to get on were the empties with open windows. Forget the major subway exchange points, the train cars might be ok but the stations like 59th at Columbus Circle, or Times Square would get up to 120ºF easily when evening rush was in full swing.

A great time in NYC is October. And, late March through early May.

 

[Marble]

Not having a car will probably make the whole thing a lot harder unless you pick a big city that will occupy you for a month. The U.S. is so big that touring between places of activity will be difficult unless you want to spend most of your time on the road (or visit the NE, which is more concentrated).

Much of the southwest is beautiful and austere, but in the summer it is not a place where life-forms are meant to exist, least of all the moist fleshy things we walk around in. Be warned!

 

[Counterfit]

SF won't be too warm (I always get a kick out of the tourists who come in T-shirts and shorts only to realize that SF is still 65F in the summer ),

65F is t-shirt and shorts weather for me.

Forget the major subway exchange points, the train cars might be ok but the stations like 59th at Columbus Circle, or Times Square would get up to 120ºF easily when evening rush was in full swing.

Rome subway in July. No ventilation at all.

 

[iBlue]

The florida keys are a fun stay and it's a neat drive (The 7 mile bridge!) I liked Key West more than the others but there's plenty of exploring to be had among those little islands. Shouldn't be any trouble to rent a car if you're over 21 and have a UK license.

It's definitely hot and I thought it was very friendly.

let me take this opportunity to post my favourite photo from key west:

http://up.*************/files/2/BlueUploaderArchive/Florida/IMG_1330e_thumb.jpg

(I had to resit the urge to post a bunch of photos )

anyway, it's a thought. I'm not sure what you plan on doing and who you're bringing, that makes a big difference for recommendations.

 

[Kashchei]

let me take this opportunity to post my favourite photo from key west:

(I had to resit the urge to post a bunch of photos )

Great recommendation! Sometimes it's best to ask someone other than a local. I live in a neighboring state and I've never been to Florida so it never crossed my mind (hits self in head).

What a great photo--don't fight the urge to post more of them (or PM me--I'd love to see more!)

 

[donga]

from my experiences and places i've visited:
san diego, ca
austin, tx
and phoenix/tucson... although i like tucson much better
phx is looking/feeling like l.a. more and more everyday

 

[themadchemist]

No, like Hunter S. Thompson said, you need to make this trip a "gross physical salute to the American Dream"

Which means you need to be armed; remember son, America is all about firepower. Overwhelming, badass firepower. If you want to really experience America, walk into any Wal-Mart and get yourself a 44 Magnum and pull off some rounds at the local firing range or out in the middle of the desert. Also to put on your to-do list: eat a chalupa, get a bald-eagle tattoo.

hahaha, hats off to you. Best. Advice. EVER.

 

[ccwilli3]

if you want hot and parties, miami. Get your sweat on!

More cultural cities would be austin, nashville, new orleans, savannah, charleston; something like that...

 

[Cromulent]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys . Ugh, the problem with America is there is just too damn much to do.

Looks like if wanted to fit all the suggestions in I'd have to be over there for a year.

 

[iBlue]

I don't think you ever said, who are you going with? It makes a huge difference in recommending things if you're going with some mates or with a girlfriend/boyfriend.

 

[diehldun]

Kiawah Island, SC

Just came back from there a few months ago; absolutely gorgeous place! It's relatively close to Charleston too. Charming and delightful ("The Sanctuary" was amazing), would definitely go back again and would recommend it to anyone.

My second pick would be Savannah, GA. Anyone read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"?

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

Atlanta is nice. Nashville. Anywhere in Arizona. Even Florida is fun. My aunt lives in Jupiter Beach, which is just north of West Palm... Amazing place, and totally opulent. Probably nothing like you've ever seen before.

The North of the States is nice too, Boston and where I am comes to mind. Cape Cod is a lovely and quaint place to spend a month. It's warm in the summer too. However, like others have said, everything is far more expensive up here in comparison to the south.

 

[Applespider]

Looks like if wanted to fit all the suggestions in I'd have to be over there for a year.

Or go more than once...

I think a month in a single city is too long - even in NYC - as a tourist. I'd go for a week in four different places and really mix it about. I've been to lots of US cities on road trips to watch football games - and they all have their charms and attractions but most of them, I've only stayed a few days and moved on.

A week down in Florida on the beach, a week in New Orleans, a week in Vegas with a side trip to the Grand Canyon (plenty hot!) and a week in Washington for the museums etc.

One thing I would say is that while 35C plus is great if you're on a beach trip, it's not always as great in a city since the concrete can capture it and it can just get sweaty and unpleasant. Air-con helps but then it's not 35C any longer!

 

[Iscariot]

Vegas, NYC and LA are probably the most uniquely "American" cities, although I'm sure many would argue. Right now LA should be quite warm, although it cools off a bit in the evenings.

I can't recommend too much, since my criteria for cities is a lot different than most peoples...

 

[tpete]

This has been said, but it bears repeating: The US is huge. Keep in mind that traveling from northern Virginia where I live to southwestern Virginia can take as long as 10 hours. And that's one state. Ten hours in Europe would require a change of several languages. Also, many US cities aren't centralized like a lot of European cities. You can't go to the city center and poke around, because there isn't one. Notable exceptions exist, of course, but factor in a lot of cab fare for cities with below-par public transit (from a European point of view) or no public transit. Also remember that the US gets a lot hotter than Europe, even in the north. Chicago can hit 35 no problem in the summer. Although the desert is awesome, I'm not sure you want to be there in the summer.

I hope you pick somewhere specific and have a great time. Advice: come for some event. A music festival, film festival, etc. It gives you an excuse to keep to one area. Also, if it's summer, go to a baseball game. It's like cricket, except less happens. Personally, I can't stand it, but it's very Americana. If you can wait until August, see some pre-season American football. I love your football, but the American version is a sight to be seen. Final bit of American boosterism: try our microbrew beer, and drink whatever local brews your bartender has on tap. Forget Budweieser; real American beer is some of the most creative and tastey stuff out there. Enjoy,

T