Where in the U.S. can you book a scenic urban getaway?
With the holiday travel season approaching, Window Gnome ranked 2023’s Best Vacation Cities for Amazing Views.
We compared over 450 of the biggest U.S. cities based on 3 categories. We looked at access to “hotels with views” from Expedia and accommodations tagged with “amazing views” on Airbnb. We also considered ratings and cost factors, among 9 total metrics.
Plan a breathtaking vacation with help from our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our methodology.
If you prefer more secluded vacations, check out our ranking of the Best States for Remote Getaways.
Contents
Rankings
See how each city fared in our ranking:
Top 5 Close Up
Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 cities.
The Upshot
Sights of beaches and Western mountain ranges dominated the top 100 of our ranking, including 5 Arizona, 7 Colorado, 7 Florida, and 18 California cities. All 4 cities representing New Mexico also finished in the top 100.
Memorable vacation views are sparse in parts of the Heartland, such as in Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and Michigan. Aside from a few outliers — Lawrence, Kansas (No. 84) and Michigan cities Detroit (No. 115), Ann Arbor (No. 218), and Grand Rapids (No. 244) — most urban spots in these states lack hotels and Airbnb rentals with pretty panoramas.
Rooms in some of the most scenic cities, such as Miami (No. 1) and Seattle (No. 6), come with a hefty price tag. Meanwhile, more affordable aesthetic accommodations are found in suburbs like Sparks, Nevada (No. 22), and Rancho Cordova, California (No. 54), as well as in more remote cities like Las Cruces, New Mexico (No. 36). Texas boasts several inexpensive escapes — from lounging lakeside in Lewisville (No. 73) to Rio Grande vistas in McAllen (No. 33) to bayside bashes in Corpus Christi (No. 208).
Ask The Experts
Some sights are bucket list contenders, while others are more of a stunning bonus for a charming getaway.
No matter what your travel ambitions are, planning a trip can be stressful. We reached out to a panel of experts for advice on arranging your trip with ease. Read their insights below.
- How far in advance should guests book their trip if traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall)?
- What are three pros and three cons of traveling during the off-peak travel season?
- How much more do guests pay on average for a hotel room or Airbnb with a view?
- What does one’s view preference — mountains, water, city skyline — say about their personality?
How far in advance should guests book their trip if traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall)?
I recommend booking 3-6 months before the trip. That is usually early enough to score deals on flights and hotels before they sell out but still gives you some wiggle room if plans need to change.
Flights and hotels are often less expensive than peak summer or holidays, so they can fill up faster than you may expect. Booking in advance ensures you get your preferred flights, hotels, and activities.
Here are some tips:
- Book popular destinations earlier — their shoulder seasons fill up fast.
- Stay flexible with last-minute deals if you can. Smaller crowds make spontaneity easier.
- Check the weather patterns at your destination. Shorter shoulder seasons may require longer lead times.
Overall, 3-6 months out provides a nice balance. But if factoring in your destination and personal style, book earlier.
What are the three pros and three cons of traveling during the off-peak travel season?
Pros:
- Save money on flights, hotels, and tours — which makes that budget stretch further. It’s also easier to book at the last minute if your plans are flexible.
- Skip the crowds — you can relax and enjoy attractions at your own pace.
- Experience local culture without tourism overload.
Cons:
- Weather may be rainy, cold, or unpredictable, which limits outdoor options.
- Some businesses run limited hours or close during off-peak seasons.
- Holiday closures may impact openings — research destination calendars.
How much more do guests pay on average for a hotel room or Airbnb with a view?
Expect to pay 20-50% more for a room with a view versus a non-view room. Ocean, landmarks, or city skylines add the biggest premiums, especially in luxury hotels. Prices also climb in popular destinations like Paris or Vegas.
Specific factors:
- Location. Central cities or natural wonders hike up view premiums.
- View type. Oceanfront costs more than a garden view.
- Luxury level. High-end rooms charge more regardless [of the view].
Shop around, read reviews, and book early to get the best view rates for your trip.
Visitors must expect to pay $50-100 more per night for a room with a view versus a basic room without one. Oceanfront, mountain, and city skyline views are the hottest and cost top dollar. At luxury properties, the view premium can run into the hundreds per night.
The most in-demand views like overlooking the ocean or a famous landmark tend to add the biggest bump in nightly rates. Views don’t come cheap, especially in posh properties. But for many travelers, soaking in that perfect vista is worth the price premium.
What does one’s view preference — mountains, water, city skyline — say about their personality?
Mountain fans often love the peace, nature, and slower pace. Water lovers value relaxation and serenity. City adorers thrive on arts, culture, and energy. While view preferences may not offer a definitive insight into someone’s personality, they can provide some general clues or associations:
- Mountain lovers: People who prefer mountain views often appreciate tranquility, adventure, and natural beauty. They might be drawn to outdoor activities, hiking, and a slower-paced lifestyle.
- Water enthusiasts: Those who prefer water views, such as the ocean or a lake, might have a deep appreciation for relaxation, serenity, and the soothing qualities of water. They could be inclined towards water sports or seaside leisure.
- City skyline admirers: People who favor city skyline views tend to enjoy urban life, cultural experiences, and the vibrancy of a city. They might be drawn to arts, dining, and the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas.
In summary, mountain lovers may cherish nature, tranquility, and adventure. Water fans can have a deep appreciation for relaxation and serenity. City admirers often crave arts, culture, and energy. But it’s key to remember view preferences aren’t definitive personality indicators — they simply suggest possible inclinations. Most people have diverse interests beyond a singular favorite view.
Appreciating combinations of mountain, water, and city scenes is common, too. So, while view preferences can provide clues to someone’s personality traits and interests, they do not paint their entire picture. There are always exceptions and complexities that go beyond a favorite view.
How far in advance should guests book their trip if traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall)?
It’s hard to answer this question because of the fluctuating and volatile nature of the travel business these days. In particular, because of the unstable social and economic status, it turns out to be harder to estimate the time frame for trip reservations.
What are the three pros and three cons of traveling during the off-peak travel season?
Pros:
- It would be less crowded.
- It would be cheaper.
- It would provide more flexibility in terms of itinerary because of more vacancies available to be booked.
Cons:
- Nature-related activities may be limited.
- Things are more likely to be closed.
- The weather is generally worse.
Behind the Ranking
First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Vacation Cities for Amazing Views. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 3 categories: Access, Quality, and Cost. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.
For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table. We eliminated 45 cities lacking hotels and Airbnb rentals with views — and therefore Quality and Cost data, as well — resulting in a final sample size of 455 cities.
Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Best” (No. 1) and the lowest “Worst” (No. 455).
Notes:
- The “Worst” among individual factors may not be No. 455 due to ties.
- We collected the number of “hotels with views” from Expedia and accommodations tagged with “amazing views” on Airbnb.
- Many scenic cities have legal restrictions limiting Airbnb rentals, which may negatively impact their score in this ranking — as is the case with Boca Raton, Florida (No. 455) — due to a lack of Airbnb accommodations with “amazing views.”
Sources: Airbnb and Expedia
Window of Opportunity
Can’t get away on a picturesque escape to one of the top cities in our ranking?
Whether you’re looking to design a better space in your home to soak in the sights or planning to turn your gorgeous property into a vacation rental, make the most of your scenery by upgrading your window game.
Explore our slideshow below for tips.
Use Window Gnome to schedule a professional from your area to handle window installation, repair, and window cleaning.
Window Gnome is part of the Home Gnome family of home services sites.
Media Resources
Main Photo Credit: freedomz / Canva Pro / Canva License