These 12 US Cities Take Luxury to a Whole New Level

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As one of the world’s largest countries, the United States has everything: from vast natural landscapes featuring national parks and diverse wildlife to megacities and picturesque seaside towns. With so much to offer, it’s no surprise America is one of the most sought-after travel destinations. However, did you know that the United States also has much to offer luxury travelers?

If not, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you 12 of the most luxurious cities in the US. We selected these entries because they offer travelers a 5-star experience and many things to see and do. You can expect fine dining, luxury shopping, breathtaking hotels, and more.

New York City, New York

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There is only one place to start this list: New York. For decades, luxury has reigned supreme in the Big Apple, offering big spenders the experience of a lifetime. A playground for the rich and famous, New York is known for its 5-star hotels, luxury homes, and Michelin Star restaurants.

Of course, the city is also famed for having some of America’s most iconic attractions, including Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. If you decide to visit New York, you’ll spend most of your time hitting up the main attractions, eating delicious food, and admiring the scenic views across the city. Meanwhile, luxurious neighborhoods in the city include Hudson Yards, Tribeca, and Nolita.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, often called Sin City, is Nevada’s most luxurious and populous city. Surrounded by vast deserted landscapes, including the Mojave Desert, it’s where high-rollers go to spend their cash. The city is famous worldwide for its 5-star hotels, world-class casinos, and live entertainment.

At night, the city truly comes to life. You can expect bright lights, water fountain displays, and night-long parties filled with controversy and debauchery. Just be careful you don’t get too drunk during your visit because you might end up partaking in a shotgun wedding. You’ll need a big budget to enjoy Las Vegas fully, especially if you want to hit up the casinos.

Los Angeles, California

If you want to rub shoulders with America’s greatest stars, head to Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood. This sprawling city in Southern California is known worldwide for its multi-million dollar mansions, fine dining restaurants, expensive bars, and pristine beaches. As such, you’ll need a big budget to enjoy your visit.

Henley Global reports that Los Angeles is home to over 212,000 millionaires and 43 billionaires, which sums up the city’s wealth nicely. Significant points of interest in Los Angeles include Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios. For the best city views, head to the Griffith Observatory.

Chicago, Illinois

Henley Global’s report also found that Chicago has the fourth-highest number of millionaires and billionaires in the United States. They found that the city has 120,500 millionaires and 24 billionaires. This would suggest Chicago is also one of America’s wealthiest and most luxurious cities. To be honest, we could’ve told you that without the statistics.

A quick glance at the Windy City’s skyline will tell you all you need to know about the city. The city is dominated by a sprawling skyline of luxurious skyscrapers and fascinating national landmarks, including the imposing Willis Tower, which cost over $150 million to build. Tourists can expect fine-dining restaurants, couture shopping, and dazzling 5-star hotels at ground level.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a vibrant city in Northern California best known for its historic landmarks, steep streets, and beautiful architecture. You’ll most likely know the city for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison. Aside from offering tourists an adventure-packed vacation with many things to see and do, San Francisco has much to offer luxury travelers, too.

When you’re not kicking back in your 5-star hotel or sipping Champagne in a swanky jazz lounge, you’ll likely find yourself tucking into one of many Michelin Star restaurants or shopping at the luxury retailers in Union Square. Other noteworthy attractions in the city include the Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Park, and Pier 39.

Miami, Florida

U.S. Cities for an Ultimate Shopping Experience Miami — © littleny / Adobe Stock

The following luxurious American city on our list is Miami, one of Florida’s most highly sought-after destinations. According to Dominion, Miami is the sixth most luxurious city in the United States, ranking highly for luxury hotels, fine dining, high-end shopping, and upscale clubs. Considering the city is home to the exclusive Indian Island Creek neighborhood, this isn’t surprising.

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In Miami, you’ll likely spend most of your time relaxing on Miami Beach, exploring the local museums, and having fun at one of the many theme parks. If you time your visit right, you might even be able to glimpse the world-famous Lionel Messi playing soccer for Inter Miami. Meanwhile, shopaholics can shop until they drop at Bay Harbour’s upscale shopping center.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a beautiful city on the island of Oahu’s south shore. It serves as the gateway to the Aloha States postcard-perfect natural scenery and is loved worldwide for its epic surf. In the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a luxury vacation.

This includes luxury 5-star hotels and resorts, fine dining restaurants, upscale shopping, and pristine beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. What’s not to like? Besides surfing, popular things to do in Honolulu include hiking, swimming, wildlife watching, and shark cage diving. Notable attractions in Honolulu include Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and Waikiki Beach.

San Diego, California

San Diego, a stunning coastal city along California’s Pacific Coast, is a somewhat surprising addition to this list. Generally, San Diego, dubbed “America’s Finest City,” isn’t as highly sought after by tourists as other American cities. Still, it has much to offer, especially if you love the sun, sea, and sand.

San Diego is a beachgoer’s paradise, comprising approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of golden-sand beaches. Better yet, the city is home to various chic neighborhoods, such as Del Mar and Coronado, where you’ll find luxurious beachfront properties and resorts and a laid-back atmosphere. Furthermore, the city has over 70 golf courses, high-end shopping centers, and several Michelin Star restaurants.

Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City is a picturesque destination in northeastern New Jersey. Its scenic waterfront faces the Hudson River, and Liberty State Park offers beautiful views of the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty across Upper Bay. While it may not be the most luxurious city in the US, Jersey City is on the up.

In recent years, the city has seen the development of more luxury hotels and buildings, upscale restaurants, and luxurious real estate. Regarding things to do in Jersey City, you’ll never tire of walking along the waterfront, admiring the views of New York, and exploring the vibrant downtown area. Significant points of interest in the city include Lincoln Park, Colgate Clock, and the Green Ring.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is the capital and most popular city in the state of Massachusetts. It’s best known for its rich history, the Boston Red Sox, and beautiful architecture. Millions of tourists visit the city yearly to discover the city’s history, watch sports, explore the museums, and attend the theater.

Like New York, Boston is made luxurious by the presence of fine dining establishments that serve exceptional cuisine, 5-star hotels that offer tourists celebrity treatment, and luxury homes. Better still, Boston is a lovely city with a scenic waterfront and lush parks. Spend your time in the city strolling along the Charles River Esplanade, exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, and relaxing at Boston Common.

Frisco, Texas

One of the best hidden gem luxury cities in the United States is Frisco, a vibrant city in Texas’s Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. According to Architectural Digest, Frisco is one of America’s top-rising luxury cities. It ranks highly for activities, property, food, and wealth. So, what are you waiting for?

During a trip to Frisco, you can expect exquisite dining experiences, world-class entertainment, high-end luxury accommodations, and many things to see and do. When you’re not tucking into a 5-star meal or exploring the downtown area, get to know the city at the Frisco Heritage Museum and enjoy the scenery at Frisco Commons Park. Other popular attractions include the National Videogame Museum, Stonebriar Centre, and Train Topia.

Washington, D.C.

The final luxury destination on our list is Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Home to the White House, this city is famed for its impressive neoclassical monuments and buildings. Luxury travelers will also be happy to hear that Washington, D.C., is home to many 5-star hotels, luxury bars and clubs, and over 20 Michelin Star restaurants.

Walking around Washington, D.C., you’ll also spot many luxury properties and homes that make you want to move to the Evergreen State. Regarding things to do, you’ll never be short of exciting things to see and do in the city. Must-visit attractions include the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.