Choosing 11 Amazing Places to Experience Authentic American Culture in the USA was no easy task. “American culture” is one of those phrases that has a different meaning for nearly every individual.
Hey, this is a country stretches from sea to shining sea with more diversity in humans, culture, and celebrations than one article could ever hope to cover. It’s our collective obstacle as well as our strength and beauty.
Some selections may be more expected than others, but let me put forth this disclaimer: Interesting sub cultures abound in this diverse and unique country and all have their stories to tell.
To get you started, here are just a few- 11 Amazing Places to experience authentic American Culture in the USA.
Starting on the East coast…
Washington DC
This one was a no brainer. Between the A-MAZ-ING museums and all the government buildings you can tour, DC is a the perfect destination where crossroads of history and current government meet and individuals can learn the depths of diversity and the common bonds of the uniquely American Experience.
Sage and her three favorite buildings 
Sage Feeling ‘Capitol’ 
The One, the only…
Philadelphia, PA
Nicknamed ‘The Birthplace of America’ Philly does an amazing job of preserving history and culture of the colonial and victorian era (1700s-1800s) More then just American History, there is TONS of art, as well as being a sports mecca and a foodie paradise. Yup, City of Brotherly Love is a must for experiencing authentic American Culture. Learn more HERE.
Independence Hall 
Philly City View
Lancaster, PA
Experience farmlands and family feasting and the simple ways of the Amish community. Lancaster area was settled by the Dutch and it is still very culturally alive. It’s a glimpse into early America by way of a culture who still live authentically that way. A truly beautiful experience (and one every technology tied human should witness) not contrived in the slightest. Learn more HERE.
Moving inland…
Memphis, TN
Walking down Beale Street you can’t help but be immersed in a time and place when BB King and Johnny Cash were defining popular culture across the nation. Sun Studio looks as it did when history was being made there. Now a National Historic Landmark where Elvis first sang “That’s All Right” and where my personal fave, Johnny Cash made his debut—singing on the stoop. Memphis now boasts fine art experiences and local breweries. It’s another slice of our unique collective American culture. Learn more HERE.
Indianapolis, IN
In the heart of the heartland, Indie boasts some truly all American experiences. The famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and of course Hall of Fame, an extensive Children’s Museum, Eagle Creek and White River State Parks, the Zoo, President Harrison’s home, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art. In the area, there are numerous small towns all centered around a town square that will always have an excellent ice cream shop (and sometimes fudge). Throw in a football game and a burger and BAM! Fourth of July every day!
If putting pride into a tasty treat to be consumed isn’t American, I don’t know what is
From the midwest to the west…
Sturgis, SD
Bigger than just Sturgis the town, there are multiple places to experience Native American Plains culture in the surrounding areas. Crazy Horse Monument along with Mt Rushmore are quintesential but so is the annual rally of all things motorcycle at Sturgis! It started off as 200 motorcycle enthusiasts in 1938 and now a world wide phenomenon. (just under a million participate now) I hear they have really good coffee on the main drag… Learn more HERE.
Tahlequah, OK
Capital of Cherokee Nation since before Oklahoma was a state, Tahlequah is a must on the American Experience Tour. The Cherokee Heritage Center is an interactive place to experience a piece of American Culture older than the documents that made us a country. Learn more HERE.
San Antonio, TX
Everyone has heard of the Alamo but what about the Missions National Historic Park? It’s so cool it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Celebrating the profound Spanish influence that is a part of our American experience, this is a for sure stop! Learn more HERE.
On to the west coast…
Seattle, WA
If you subscribe to this blog, you knew sooner or later coffee would be involved in this post. But not just because it is my beverage of choice, coffee has a long history as an American institution and Seattle is the birthplace fo Starbucks. Seattle boasts a unique culture being a deep sea port and the gateway to all things Alaska. It has structures remaining of the gold rush era and is still a major port in international tourism and trade. It also has a rich cultural infusion of pacific rim countries and many Native tribes. Sea Fair is a great place to experience Seattle in all its glory! Learn more HERE.
The Log House 
Mt Rainier 
Me..in my happy place
Los Angeles, CA
The poster city representing the cultural mecca that is America’s legacy. There are museums dedicated to just about every ethnicity including the Museum of Tolerance which interestingly gets bomb threats just about daily. (sad) There are cultural street markets and neighborhoods galore. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all the Hollywood sites. I’m not talking the typical tourist wax museum stuff but rather the estates and landmarks of silent movie cowboys, gangsters, and cultural icons like Max Factor who have heavily influenced the American Experience and defined the question of ‘What is American Culture?’ Learn more HERE.
Josh and I at The Southern California American Indian Chamber of Commerce annual conference repping perhaps the best known American cultural icon
Last but not least…
Anchorage, AK
So there are Fur Rendezvous all over the place but the Anchorage Fur Rondy is the crown jewel of them all. Boasting a sled dog race, snowshoe softball, outhouse races, and more…it’s historic, quirky, TOTALLY Alaska and quintesential all American ridiculous fun. Anchorage also is a host to Alaska Native Heritage Center, and many other options for local art and cuisine. Learn more HERE.
Have you been to any of these 11 Amazing Places to Experience Authentic American Culture in the USA? What city would you add to the list and why?
If you feel strongly about enjoying and experiencing all the cool places America has to offer, please share this post on social media or forward to a friend!
Thank you for sharing, I would love to visit these places!
Excellent!!! I hope you do!!
Thank you for sharing, I have visited some of these places. But the others I have not I would like to!
Perfect!
I’m adding several things from your list to my list of places to experience. We’ve hit several already!
Wonderful!!!
I really love this list, especially because I find it hard to define “American” culture – but you really did a great job tackling that!
Thank you! That means a lot. I’m a big fan of our country and all its uniqueness and in this current time, I feel it’s more important then ever to revel in the common threads. 🙂
Such a creative post idea! America has so much to offer that going broke to travel abroad is not as necessary as many people think (:
EXACTLY!!! So much to see and do here!
I so love the blend of history and pop culture. You make each place sound so enticing! I’ve been to a lot of them but Memphis is on my bucket list. Maybe next year?
I have only been to two of those places, does that make me less american? haha
There are a quite a few detailed here that are on my travel wish list. Great article and very helpful.
You hoit some great cities. I would need to add Boston. Not just because I am a Bostonian, but because of its great history and culture. Boston does history well, with a lot of old and new.
Love this idea and list!! My only addition would be Detroit!! Of course, I’m a Michigan native!!
Great list! Some I haven’t even heard of so I will have to check them out for sure. I get so caught up going over seas to explore I forget about my own backyard.
Great list! Some I haven’t even heard of so I will have to check them out for sure. I get so caught up going over seas to explore I forget about my own backyard.
I live in DC and it is definitely a melting pot of American culture! Would love to go see Anchorage!
This is a great list of amazing places to experience authentic American culture, especially Lancaster. So much of New England looks just like that!
Great list. There are some that we need to check out for sure.
I’ve been to 5 of these and loved them all. Just got back from Memphis a few weeks ago and loved the vibe. Anchorage was amazing too. Lived in Seattle and L.A. and enjoyed it. And DC is the icon of U.S. history.
Great list! I loved seeing Indy on it! I do think my city is fantastic.
LOVE San Antonio. Went there on business once but took time to explore!
This is a wonderful list. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve visited DC, LA, and San Antonio. I will get to the others someday! I second Boston – lots of American history there.
Well I love to learn all about what this great land we live on has to offer and see and do and now thanks to your list I have added a few more “must do” to my bucket list of travel.
🙂
What a great list! It really represents all of America. I am originally from Philly so my heart is always there and would be my number one pick!
This is a great list! I think these places capture American culture. I’ve been to many, but I need to get a few more of these in. I have some new ideas now!
Sweet! Circle back when you hit the new ones…would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
I’ve been to most of these on your list. Hoping to cross off Alaska next summer…and Seattle on the way to Alaska.
Yeah! Two favorites of mine…
San Antonio is one of our most favorite cities in the USA. There really is so much to do there and the food is out of this world!
Literally everyone I talk to that lives there or visits raves about the food… I have to get there and check this out for myself
I love all things history. That would be tough to narrow down American culture in 11 cities…and the ones you highlighted are awesome! Another one I would add is Boston.
Me too!!!!! It WAS tough!!! Boston was for sure on my list but I was trying to give a more modern broad stroke picture. Boston does history so well, I’m going to feature them soon 🙂