5 Most Interesting State Capitals
Is travelling on your 2020 wish list? Check out the most interesting American state capitals to visit in 2020.
State capitals aren't just about politics - many of them have a wide range of enticing attractions. These five may be the most interesting of all, making them ideal for your next trip - or perhaps even your next move.
Boston, Massachusetts
For history buffs, it's hard to beat Boston as one of the oldest cities in the U.S. One of the top ways to experience it is to walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that leads to 16 historic sites. Start in Boston Common, the country's oldest park and follow it to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. You'll get to visit everything from the Massachusetts State House on top of Beacon Hill and Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place for Paul Revere and other notable Revolutionary War patriots, to Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution. If it's baseball season and the Red Sox are playing at home, don't miss catching a game at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in the major leagues, around since 1912.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock was named among The 12 Best Places to Live in 2019 by Outside magazine, so you might want to check out the Little Rock houses for sale in between enjoying the many outdoor adventures available here like mountain biking, hiking, and paddling. There are plenty of more relaxed pursuits too, like strolling through Bernice Garden which not only showcases plants and sculptures, but markets selling everything from antiques to farm produce. The River Market district is a must-visit downtown, a popular gathering spot where skilled artists practice their crafts and live music performances are held in the pavilion. It also hosts lots of great eateries with cuisine from across the globe and a variety of fun boutiques.
Austin, Texas
Austin has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country for some time now but it still has more of a small-town atmosphere while boasting a wealth of things to see and do. The Texas capital is renowned for its live music scene which includes everything from rock and punk to country, folk, bluegrass, and jazz. It also hosts a 351-acre park filled with trails for hiking and biking as well as a number of popular attractions like the Zilker Botanical Garden, the Austin Nature and Science Center, a theater and the Barton Springs Pool. After enjoying it all, feed your appetite at one of the many acclaimed restaurants serving everything from ethnic fare to world-class BBQ.
Juneau, Alaska
If you're looking for incredible views, it would be hard to find a capital better than Juneau. Set on a hillside overlooking the stunning Inside Passage, its downtown area is sandwiched between the Gastineau Channel, Mount Juneau, and Mount Robert. Walk the maze of narrow streets to discover everything from historic storefronts to charming 19th-century houses that date back to its early years as a gold mining town. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers with the opportunity to view everything from sea lions to porpoise and whales. Just 12 miles away is Mendenhall Glacier - visitors can paddle alongside its length and then ice-climb to the caves inside.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana's beautiful capital is filled with grand old mansions, like 18th-century Magnolia Mound which started out as a small home before expanding to an elegant plantation with French Creole styling. Guides don period attire to help point out the most interesting features from vibrant gardens to slave cabins and beautiful gardens. The city is also home to a zoo, multiple impressive museums, and riverboat casino gambling.