America’s best towns to visit in 2024? Tacoma is one of them

If you’re looking to do some travel around the U.S this summer, CNN Travel has shared its inaugural list of “America’s Best Towns to Visit” in 2024. And while it may surprise some, Tacoma is on it, and ranks quite high!

“This summer, we’re looking at smaller cities that aren’t already at the top of everyone’s travel list — places where you’ll often find small-town vibes and loads of personality as well as plenty to see and do for a few days or more,” states CNN Travel.

It says it tapped into its network of contributors for nominations, and evaluated finalists by looking at “each town’s attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at travel essentials, including lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.”

The choices they selected ranged in size from 50,000 residents to 225,000.

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While Richmond, Virginia, placed first, Tacoma, Washington, came in third place among the top 10.

Its high scores came in due to its “stunning setting, outdoor access, arts scene.”

“City settings don’t get much better than this. Tacoma’s location between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier makes for exceptional outdoor recreation in and around town,” reads the CNN Travel ranking.

“There are some pretty spectacular sights in the city, too, thanks to Dale Chihuly, the art glass master and Tacoma native. At the Museum of Glass, exhibits and glassblowers at work in its hot shop tell the story of the medium. And flightseeing tours will give you a good look at the sacred ancestral lands of the Puyallup Tribe.”

CNN Travel adds that these communities are committed to making their towns better.

Here are America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024, according to CNN Travel:

10. Duluth, Minnesota
9. Knoxville, Tennessee
8. Grand Rapids, Michigan
7. Macon, Georgia
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
5. San Luis Obispo, California
4. Portland, Maine
3. Tacoma, Washington
2. Providence, Rhode Island
1. Richmond, Virginia