The 10 best American cities to visit if you like old houses

Whether you are in history, architecture or photography, you will love these destinations.


With the rise of television shows like HGTVHometown and Instagram accounts likeOld cheap houses, historic houses have become an interest in a much wider and younger demography than in the days of Bob Vila in the 80s and 90s. For those of us who do not have our own old house (or who have just An obsession!), Planning trips in places with a richness of history and historic houses is a must. Of course, a destination must check all the regular holiday boxes - accommodation, a good weather, delicious cuisine and activities - but only some places offer house museums, picturesque residential streets to explore, andUnique architecture. We have consulted travel experts to compile a list of the best American cities to visit if you like old houses. Continue to read to plan your next trip.

Read this then:The 10 best American cities to visit for lovers of history.

1
Newport, Rhode Island

An aerial view of the Italian Renaissance-style mansion The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, with the ocean and cliff walk surrounding it.
Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

Calling the historic residences of Newport "Houses" would be a rude euphemism. The coastal city of Rhode Island is known for gilded age residences which used to serve summer getaway for the magnates of New York and Philadelphia, especially the Vanderbilts. (You may have heard a large part of the HBO success showThe golden age has beenfilmed in these exact residences.)

Today, 11 of these opulent houses have been preserved and are open to the public for tours through theNewport county preservation company.Cox trudy, the CEO and executive director of the company, says that the one who cannot miss the house isThe breakers. "Person in Newport has never exceeded this summer" chalet "of 138,000 square feet for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife, Alice." It has 70 rooms (including a large imposing room with 50 -foot ceilings), 27 fireplace and marble everywhere.

For landscape architecture lovers,The elms is a must. The classic Renaissance gardens have marble pavilions, fountains and incredible elms.

Another fun way to see historical residences is 3.5 milesRide, a national leisure path along the ocean from which you can see both the house museums and the magnificent private houses (note that some sections are rocky and are more a hike).

And in the main city center of Newport, mix the residential streets to see plates of the 18th century in a nautical setting.

2
Old Town Alexandria, Virginie

Olga Bogatyrenko / Shutterstock

On the other side of the Potomac river in Washington, D.C. is Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants. He is perhaps better known to be the adopted hometown of George Washington, but as Alexandria notes, there is also a dark side of his past, because he "was one of the greatestTrading ports of national slaves in America."

This whole story is exposed in the old Alexandria city, a historic district designated at the national level along the river. The streets doubled in bricks and the cobbled alleys are bordered by adorable Georgian and federal style houses (more than 200 structures were built before 1820), and 140 sites are linked to the first president of the country, according to Alexandria's visit.

If you are looking for this only incredible Instagram photo,Rebecca dose, director of communications atVisit Alexandria, said to go towards wickedness. Seven feet wide, it is the leea house in the United States. "Visitors can put wide arms in front of the door or capture the housing house tight between its white and red neighbors on the other side of the street," suggests the dose.

Read this then:The 8 most charming cities in the United States for an autumn getaway.

3
Charleston, South Carolina

pastel row of houses in charleston
Gordon Bell / Shutterstock

This list would not be complete without Charleston, in South Carolina, the birthplace of American historical preservation.Liza Holian, director of marketing and communications atHistorical Foundation of Charleston, notes that "the story of Charleston extends over more than 350 years", which makes it one of the oldest cities in the country.

As Holian explains, you can see houses dating from the 1700s along rue Tradd, or you can check the mansions by the water along the battery. And while you wander, you will find "useful historical plates and markers".

For a photo par excellence, head to Rainbow Row, a stretch of pastel colored houses on East Bay Street near the battery. Or you can go to the Pink House on Chalmers Street. Bubblegum's behind the scenes is the oldest in the city and is made more photogenic by the paved street on which it resides.

Another site that Holian says not to be missed is theNathaniel Russell house museum. "The whole house was restored in its glory of 1808, each piece of furniture and China carefully organized with the most accurate interpretation historically precise."

In a short Charleston car trip are several plantations. You can make visits to the magnificent terrains, but above all, you will learn the life of the slaves who lived there and worked there. Some of the most popular areMagnolia plantation, which was founded in 1676 and has superb romantic gardens,Middleton Place, houses the oldest landscaping gardens in America, andBoone Hall, perhaps better known for its alley of oaks and features inNotebook.

4
Saint-Augustin, Florida

An aerial view of historic St. Augustine, Florida at sunset, showing the Lightner Museum.
Kevin Ruck / Shutterstock

We would not want to include the oldest city in the country. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and today has seven historic districts of the National Register. "The city of Saint-Augustine has a very strict preservation policy in place which protects the architecture which makes that of the most appreciated historical cities", explainsBarbara Golden, the director of communications and public relations atHistorical Coast of Florida.

Golden notes that the Lincolnville district has the largest collection of historic houses. According to the historic coast of Florida, Lincolnville was founded in 1866 by newly released slaves and then played a central role in the civil rights movement.

In the historic district of the city center, you can snap along the side streets (which include the oldest and narrowest street) and see the Spanish style architecture, as well as theOldest house museum.

Like Newport, St. Augustine has her own golden age story. Visitors can experience it atLight museum, the old site of the Alcazar Resort hotel and theVilla Museum Zorayda, the unique winter residence of one millionaire from Boston that shaped his house after the Alhambra Palace in Spain.

History enthusiasts also have the chance to spend the night in a historic house. "TheSt. Francis Inn is the oldest inn of St. Augustine, and it is still active! "NoteBetsi hill, travel writer and founder ofThe world of Betsi. She also suggestsThe Inn and Gardens collector, "Nine buildings dating from the 18th century [which] displayed the vast collection of art and antiques of the founder."

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5
Natchez, Mississippi

Longwood, an Antebellum Victorian Octagonal Mansion in Natchez, Mississippi
Dietmar Rauscher / Shutterstock

Created by the French settlers in 1716, Natchez is the oldest city in Mississippi. "The city itself has more than 1,000 structures listed in the national register of historic places, including more than 40 authentic early war houses and victorical buildings throughout the city," explainsCaroline Rogers, an account coordinator atLou Hammond group, which representsVisit Natchez.

Although the region is certainly accessible on foot, you can choose to take the National Park Service (NPS)Driving tour of civil war sites, that they believe to take about 75 minutes. As Rogers notes, some of the sites you will seeAuburn Museum & Historic Home, a Greek renewal residence which is the oldest house in Natchez, andMagnolia Hall, "which dates back to 1858 and is the last manor built in the city center before the civil war."

Larry Snider, Vice-president of operationsCasago Rental vacation, said you can't miss eitherLongwood, a five-story mansion on 87 acres of land which is considered the largest octagonal house in the United States

If you want to spend the night in one of these historic houses, Rogers says that many have been transformed into guest rooms, includingDunleith Historic Inn,,Choctaw Hall, andThe guest house.

6
New Orleans, Louisiana

A grand white mansion in New Orleans' historic Garden District.
Jade3234 / Shutterstock

It is difficult to compare New Orleans to any other city in the United States, which is why it is even more exciting to visit and discover its Creole culture and its Spanish and French influences.

The city on the Mississippi river is probably better known for the French district, the main tourist area which contains the infamous rue Bourbon. According to the French district management district, the architecture of this region has more Spanish influence, with itsSignature wrought iron balconies and the courses.

The other popular zone to see the historic houses is the Garden District, which is bordered by majestic residences.Christopher Falvey, the co-founder ofNola unique towers, says that some of the sites not to be missed here are the manor of Buckner (ofAmerican horror story Fame), the single -unique architectural house house Adams, the house Walter Grinnan Robinson (known for its two -story curved veranda), and the Brevard house (the old house of the author Anne Rice).

A more offbeat activity of the path was walking to see the famous hunting rifle houses of New Orleans. TheDesign of these small houses came from Santo Domingo (now Haiti). After the Haitian slave revolt in 1804, "thousands of free people in color migrated to New Orleans", explains the unique visits to Nola de Falvey. You will find them concentrated in the Irish channel and in the Ridge Esplanade districts.

Read this then:The 10 best American cities to visit for art lovers.

7
Louisville, Kentucky

A fountain in Old Louisville, Kentucky, sitting in front of Victorian homes.
4kclips / Shutterstock

There is much more to do in Louisville than drinking bourbon and attending Kentucky Derby, and one of these attractions consists in checking historic houses. "Just south of the city center, Old Louisville is known to have the largest adjoining collection of residences of the Victorian era in the United States," notesJordan Skora, marketing communications director atLouisville tourism.

Skora says that one of the best ways to discover the city is to book a visitHistorical visits to Louiseville. "The 90-minute tour will present a variety of construction styles, including Châteauuesque, Richardsonian-Romanesque, Italianate, Victorian Gothic and Queen Anne Architecture." You can also opt for the night ghost tour, "which talks about some of the most haunted homes".

Several historic houses are also available for interior visits. Skora underlinesGrove, which "preserves a mansion of 1792, outbuildings and a farm in the 19th century" and educated on the enslaved African-Americans who formerly lived there.Jocelyn Xamis Wolters, a preservation and co-founder of the travel siteWolters World, suggests theConrad-Caldwell house museum. "This house in the shape of a castle is a wonderful introduction to the Victorian architecture of the city and an example of Richardsonian romantic to its best," she said.

8
Columbus, Ohio

A row of brick houses and brick sidewalk in German Village in Columbus Ohio
Eric Glenn / Shutterstock

There is a lot to do in the Ohio state capital - see a game of buckeyes, walk the scioto mile, lunch at the northern market. But the former house enthusiasts will want to head to the German village.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Just south of the city center of Columbus, this historic district was built by German settlers in the mid-1800s and has more than 1,000 buildings. AccordingLeah Shepherd, Director of public relations atDiscover Columbus, "[The] brick houses with love, shops, streets and sidewalks are full of historical charm." Every June, you can look inside some of these houses in the German company in the villageAnnual Haus und Gartten tour.

Another fun (and tasty!) Middle exploring the German village isDuring a gastronomic visit. Not only can you taste German dishes, but you will discover the cultural and architectural history of the neighborhood.

Berger also suggests visiting the Victorian village, "a largely residential area just outside the North Buddling district known, as its name suggests, for exceptional Victorian architecture". She says the most notable house is theSels Mansion, "Known locally under the name of Circus House as it was built by one of the brothers who owned the Lels circus".

Read this then:The 6 best destinations outside radar in the United States which must be on your list of buckets.

9
Galena, Illinois

A view of Galena, Illinois in the fall.
Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock

About three hours northwest of Chicago, near the borders of Wisconsin and Iowa, is acharming little town You will want to know more. "Galena is postcard vacation for history lovers and luxury holiday researchers. The historic architecture of the city center has been 80% preserved and the hilly landscape along the Mississippi river creates a perfect view ", SaidAlex and Geoff Arroyo-Karnish, former Manhattanites who moved to the city of Illinois in 2019 to manage a historic inn and have and exploit theGalena Bakehouse.

Start by walking along the rue Main, who wants to go back in time. Then Alex and Geoff suggest the timetrolley, which takes you to the historic district of Galena. They say you should also visit theGrant the house, The 19th century residence of the 18th American president, Ulysse S. Grant. "Grant lived in Galena before the war while he was working in his father's leather store. After the war, the whole city offered him a furnished house that you can visit today," they explain.

10
Pacific Grove, California

A large white Victorian house with green trim on a corner in Pacific Grove, California
Alexander Demyanenko / Shutterstock

For an experience of the Old House of the West Coast, run along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Monterrey. "The city by the sea and its neighboring Pacific Grove are filled with ornate victims and the detailed queen Annes. Sit on the porch of a historic hostel while you watch the seals get in and out of the ocean ! " saidCristiana Peña, social media director forCirca Ondiad Hours.

Pacific Grove was founded in 1875 "as a Christian methodist retirement by the sea", according to thePacific Pacific Society Grove. At the time, "the city sections were subdivided into prizes of 30 ′ X 60 ′ to be used as tent sites for seasonal visitors (summer)." Over the years, many have been converted into houses entirely with walls all year round that you can see today.

Lindsay Horton, specialist in social media and founder ofSocial Monterey, notes that Pacific Grove alone has more than 1,350 historical structures and says that the ideal way to learn more about some is on foot. "The Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce has created thePacific grove With 13 historic houses and companies, while the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove has aself -guided tour With 350 historic houses in 11 of the oldest districts of Pacific Grove. ""

For a unique place to stay, the former chalet of John Steinbeck isAvailable for rental (for a minimum of 30 nights) on Airbnb, shares a local resident and authorR. M. S. Thornton. It was built in the 1920s in the traditional tent style, and Steinbeck lived there in the 1940s.


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