The United States is incredibly large, with bustling metropolises and tumbleweed towns stretching from coast to coast. Whether you’re looking to delve deep into a historic enclave made famous by flower power folks or you’re a foodie in search of iconic eats, America has a state, city, even neighborhood for you. From the glamorous, celebrity-studded streets of Beverly Hills to the boisterous, birthplace of American jazz, the United States is a treasure trove of iconic neighborhoods. Here are the most famous neighborhoods in the U.S.
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Is there a more iconic neighborhood in the U.S. than Beverly Hills? Touted as a celebrity row, where the stars go to live, its palm-lined streets are the stuff of Hollywood legend. Today gourmet organic food stores and luxury clothing brands line its storied roads but Beverly Hills has a long and interesting history. Maria Rita Valdez, an African-Mexican woman, was deeded some of the first land here in 1838, and over the ensuring decades it evolved to become a home for the rich and famous. Pop by Beverly Hills Park for a taste of why the Tongva people originally called Beverly Hills “the gathering of waters” or explore the sprawling Virginia Robinson Gardens. For those that can’t resist a glimpse at movie-star royalty, hop on a bus with Starline Tours which takes visitors past luxurious penthouses and unique residences, some with famous inhabitants.
Brooklyn, New York
Cross the famous Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan and you’ll enter a world that is completely unrecognizable from the intense concrete jungle from whence you came. This is Brooklyn. Home to classic New York City attractions like Coney Island and Prospect Park, this borough enjoys a slower pace of life than its big brother to the north. Brooklyn has had a renaissance in recent years and has become one of the hottest neighborhoods in NYC. Traditionally, the borough has always had a distinctive mix of cultures and people. This trendy community got its name from the first European Dutch settlers and has seen a never ending stream of various influences since. For one of the best bites in Brooklyn stop by Grimaldi’s for a New York slice or grab an egg cream for a taste of old at the Brooklyn Farmacy.
The French Quarter, New Orleans
Sink your teeth into a powdered sugar beignet and take a sip of bitter black coffee. This taste of America’s French roots can only mean one thing. You must be in New Orleans and better yet, the French Quarter. Louisiana’s Creole past is forever embalmed in the warmth and vivacity of this famous neighborhood. Walk along the streets lined with cast iron balconies and hanging plants and you’ll soon be transported back hundreds of years. Interestingly, most of the neighborhood's well-known architecture are remnants of Spanish occupation as a huge fire burned most of the original French buildings. The only original left standing is Madame John’s Legacy, showcasing the raised porches that were classic of the time to avoid flooding. Take the famous Ghosts, Vampires, and Voodoo Tour to reveal more about this historic city’s past and why it’s known for being one of the most haunted neighborhoods in America.
Little Havana, Miami
Miami’s Caribbean influence comes alive in Little Havana, the tiny, neon neighborhood that packs a big punch. Refugees from Cuba sought sanctuary in this enclave of Miami following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, and built a vibrant, culturally rich community that is still cherished today. Those who want to dig deep into Little Havana can’t miss the main strip, Calle Ocho, the perfect place to find cigars and sip a guarapo, a refreshing sugar cane and lime juice. Savor a taste of Cuban cuisine at Versailles Restaurant, dishing up favorites like croquettes and ropa vieja, or Sanguich for the iconic Cuban sandwich. No meal would be complete in Little Havana without a cafecito as the grand finale.
Haight Ashbury, San Francisco
You can’t mention Haight Ashbury without immediately thinking of its ties to the 1960’s hippie movement, but that’s one of the things that make this unique neighborhood so famously American. The Summer of Love was born in Haight Ashbury’s slanted streets and began a movement that would sweep the nation and draw in creatives from across the country. Even the likes of the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin were tempted by the neighborhood's psychedelic vibes. Now you’ll find groovy smoke shops that harken back to Haight’s rock 'n’ roll era, vintage clothing stores, and fair trade cafes. While daydreams of San Francisco usually conjure up images of the beautiful Painted Ladies, Haight Ashbury is overflowing with their iconic Victorian and Edwardian architecture thanks to it being one of the only neighborhoods that largely survived the devastating 1906 earthquake.
