For many travelers, the ideal summer vacation spot is one that offers unique character, an abundance of things to see and do, and very few crowds.
This sentiment led CNN Travel to create a new list of places in the US where you can avoid the “dense crowds of big tourist cities,” and the inaugural list of 10 cities includes an Arizona city that's a popular stop on the way to the Grand Canyon.
The CNN list is The best towns in America to visit Smaller cities were in the spotlight in 2024, with Richmond, Virginia, ranking first for its culture, food and beverage scene, and “charming” neighborhoods.
CNN travel contributors selected cities based on charm, food, nightlife, culture, identity, proximity to other points of interest and wow factor.
New additions to this year's top 10 cities: A popular restaurant chain is opening in April, and the city's airport will begin serving the West Coast in the fall.
Why Flagstaff was named CNN's “Best American Town to Visit in 2024”
The northern Arizona city of Flagstaff, rich in ponderosa pine forests and overlooking the state's highest mountain peak, is ranked No. 6 on CNN's list of “Best Towns to Visit in America.”
CNN contributors gave Flagstaff high marks for its outdoor experiences, especially stargazing, citing its status as an International Dark Sky City, which protects the night skies from light pollution, and the home of Lowell Observatory, a center of astronomy where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
The city's space connection doesn't end there, they say, but also has to do with its proximity to Meteor Crater, about 45 minutes east of Winslow. One of Arizona Republic's Uniquely Arizona Road Trip destinations, the natural landmark preserves the spot where a meteorite struck the Earth's surface about 50,000 years ago.
Flagstaff's proximity to the Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks provides ample opportunities for adventure, including skiing and snowboarding. Described by CNN as “the epicenter of Flagstaff's winter sports scene,” the Arizona Snowbowl at Humphreys Peak (elevation 12,633 feet) extended its season this year for the first time, taking place in June, due to above-average snowfall.
Flagstaff is located about 80 miles south of the Grand Canyon, one of America's most famous adventure destinations.
Flagstaff was also an important stop on historic Route 66, and the city's historic downtown has developed into a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment.
CNN's Best American Towns to Visit in 2024
- Richmond, Virginia.
- Providence, Rhode Island.
- Tacoma, Washington.
- Portland, Maine.
- San Luis Obispo, California.
- Flagstaff.
- Macon, Georgia.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Duluth, Minnesota.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has been covering travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel writer aims to help readers navigate the stress of travel and get the best bang for their buck on their vacations. Contact him at MichaelSalerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter): Follow.
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