Many U.S. capital cities have long been major tourist destinations, like Boston, Denver, Nashville and Austin. There are also the smaller-yet-beloved state capitals like Santa Fe. And more recently, the “Real Housewives” franchise and lifestyle influencer frenzy have put Salt Lake City on the map.
Looking beyond those big-name cities, there are many other capitals that don’t get as much attention but are still worth adding to your bucket list. We’ve rounded up 10 underrated U.S. state capitals. While this list is by no means comprehensive, we hope it will inspire your future travels.
Visitors can take a gondola ride along the Providence River, stroll through historic neighborhoods and take in the art scene around the Rhode Island School of Design’s impressive museum and campus.
As for cultural attractions, the city’s gold rush roots are evident in the architecture and historic sites around the city. Helena also has a booming local microbrewery scene and plenty of art galleries.
Museum lovers have plenty to soak up between the California State Railroad Museum, California State Capitol Museum and Crocker Art Museum, while gastronomes can enjoy the many “farm-to-fork” restaurants and wineries. And outdoor enthusiasts will find lots of options for hiking, biking and water sports, thanks to the city’s location on the banks of the Sacramento River and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
There’s also The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which honors Black victims of lynching, and the nearby Legacy Museum, which details the history of slavery, mass incarceration and racism in the U.S.
Additionally, the city has a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a number of great restaurants and bars.
In addition to the many city park spaces and hiking trails for outdoor adventurers, Olympia is also home to a dynamic creative scene, with a large public art collection and numerous museums and galleries. The capital city was the birthplace of riot grrrl music, and independent artists still thrive there today. Don’t forget to try some fresh-caught seafood during your visit as well.
Should you find yourself in Des Moines, you may also experience the region’s strong agricultural tradition at the top-notch farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants. And the dive bar and brewery scene is large enough to keep visitors occupied for quite some time.
Located on the banks of the Kennebec River, Augusta also boasts plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking and in the winter, cross-country skiing.
Those interested in Old West history can learn about the birth of Nevada and Carson City at the Nevada Capitol Building, Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum, as well as the number of Victorian-style homes around the city’s historic district. And golfers will no doubt be eager to check out the “Divine Nine” courses. As it is Nevada, casinos are of course an option for tourists in Carson City as well.
Additionally, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library is a top attraction where visitors can explore the history of President Bill Clinton’s rise to power and the major events of his administration and post-White House life. For more political history, check out the Arkansas State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. Or stretch your legs with a hike at the nearby Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
The Idaho capital is also known for its Basque community, whose epicenter is at the Basque Block. There you can visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and sample the delicious pintxos and cocktails at one of the many great restaurants. Be sure to check the local events schedule for a variety of concerts, festivals, sporting events, theater performances and more.