9 tertiary cities in the US that are both charming and affordable
It's so easy to assume that only major metropolises have enough going on to justify an urban getaway and that a small city might be small-minded or less dynamic and thus not worth your vacation days. But in America, it's not only primary and secondary cities that are bursting at the seams with things to do, taste, see, hear, sip and experience.
These days, tertiary cities — defined as smaller metropolitan areas with fewer than half a million residents and less economic activity — are just as (if not even more) compelling. Beyond the sense of discovery and veering slightly off the beaten path that you'll get from exploring these often slightly more rural (or rural-adjacent) destinations, you'll enjoy ample small-town charm, as well as better bang for your buck.
Across the country are cool up-and-coming tertiary cities that punch above their weight. And even without the name recognition of a major city, there's plenty of action and more local or regional businesses to patronize — all at more affordable prices that make them even easier to appreciate.
Here you'll find a curated list of nine exciting tertiary cities in America where the welcome is warm and your dollars — and points — stretch further.
Bentonville, Arkansas
With far fewer than 100,000 residents and a rapidly growing arts scene, Bentonville exudes charm and down-home hospitality.
The recently expanded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with its vast world-class collection of America's finest artists spread across 134 lush acres, is a can't-miss spot — and it's always free. The Momentary, a cheese factory–turned–contemporary art space, also costs nothing and is a must while visiting.
Set in the rolling Ozarks, Bentonville is the world's mountain biking capital, and the city has more than 70 miles of urban trails. Cycle to Airship Coffee at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve for a singular experience — it's not reachable by car — then later nosh on James Beard-nominated chef Jordan Wright's barbecue cooked over pecan wood flames at Wright's Barbecue. Save time for sipping nightcaps at Lady Slipper, too.
Where to stay: Art aficionados looking for immersion will love 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville (rates start from $255 per night and can be partially covered by Accor Live Limitless points redeemed for discounts starting at 1,000 points for about $23 off), while active types will gravitate toward Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown, which offers bike valet and storage (rates start from $188 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
San Luis Obispo, California
Laid-back, quaint and beautiful, San Luis Obispo — nicknamed "SLO," as in its delightfully slow-moving pace — is a sweet town off state Route 1 with some 50,000 residents. Its highly walkable downtown is lined with Victorian and Spanish colonial buildings that now hold an array of eateries, boutiques and cafes.
The Thursday night farmers market is more entertainment-riddled street fair than food market, and there are tons of wineries for cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs just a short drive away in nearby Edna Valley. Not to mention, the town features breathtaking hikes and windswept beaches packed with elephant seals, as well as a 1772 mission for history buffs.
Where to stay: Book Hotel San Luis Obispo, a Mr & Mrs Smith property, for its rooftop bar, vibrant rooms and lovely swimming pool. Rates start from $429 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Charlottesville, Virginia
In Charlottesville, history blends with modernity, and the Blue Ridge Mountains meet horse country and college town vibes. More travelers tend to stop in Washington, D.C., or Richmond, Virginia, but the small city is home to some big-deal spots like The University of Virginia, which was designed by former President Thomas Jefferson and is the only American university to hold UNESCO World Heritage status.
Jefferson's Monticello is a sight to behold, too, as is the Downtown Mall, a centuries-old stretch of brick buildings with lots of locally owned businesses and shops. Cider and wine are big business here as well, and there are plenty of humble yet upscale ones at which to sip and swirl on warm afternoons under big blue skies. Visitors are also rewarded well while on scenic drives and in nearby Shenandoah National Park.
Where to stay: The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel is a spirited and chic hotel in a prized location that feels like a social hub (rates start from $161 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), while the Kimpton The Forum Hotel offers easy access to various shops, eateries and The University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena for sporting events, concerts and more (rates start from $157 or 27,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Shenandoah National Park
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Artistic, immersive and quite approachable, the hidden gem city of Las Cruces offers visitors plenty of affordable accommodations — especially points properties — and inspiring, dramatic landscapes. It's authentically Southwestern, set against the jagged Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (home to many free trails, plus bouldering and volcanic craters), and offers proximity to White Sands National Park and its surreal gypsum sand dunes.
The city itself is known for Hatch green chiles and incredible New Mexican cuisine that is a mashup of Mexican, Spanish and Native American traditions. Amid abundant sunshine and no traffic are also an 1850s adobe village, Old Mesilla, and twice-weekly farmers and crafts markets.
Where to stay: Resortlike down to the pool, the Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces is a comfy base camp for exploring. Rates start from $114 or 37,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Columbia, Missouri
Tucked away in central Missouri is a compellingly quirky (and small) under-the-radar destination with a super fun slogan: "What you unexpect." With a population of about 135,000, it's a university town (home to the world's first journalism school) with a lot to offer, including a walkable downtown.
True to the slogan, there are plenty of surprises in store, including the True/False Film Fest and the Missouri Symphony's Firefly Music Festival, plus a thriving boundary-pushing food scene. Don't miss the Columbia Farmers Market, and for fun outside, check out Rock Bridge Memorial State Park's dramatic Devil's Icebox cave system and 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Where to stay: Riverside glamping at Cooper's Landing is a great option, but for a proper hotel, try boutique-y, LEED-certified The Broadway Columbia — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, a boutique-y, LEED-certified property with a rooftop bar (rates start from $119 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Or, consider the Roaring '20s–themed Voco The Tiger Hotel with a speakeasy bar (rates start from $175 or 31,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).
Greenville, South Carolina
Whether it's the good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, extensive outdoor pursuits, chef-driven culinary scene or vivid public art, Greenville is completely enchanting — and feels like a much higher-priced destination than it actually is.
Featuring a population of about 76,000, Greenville has a small-town energy but exceeds expectations for its size. It earned its first Michelin star in 2025 thanks to Scoundrel, a French-inspired restaurant with a prime Main Street location, and there are handfuls of other restaurants — The Anchorage, Camp and Jianna, to name a few — to patronize for excellent meals, too.
If you're in town for a long weekend, definitely include a brewery hop and moments for nature appreciation. Downtown's Falls Park on the Reedy River (home to a 60-foot waterfall) and a stroll or cycling outing on the mixed-use Swamp Rabbit Trail greenway are just two of the must-do options at your disposal.
Where to stay: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection offers fabulous views of Falls Park, a luxe rustic aesthetic and a full spa. Rates start from $264 or 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: 10 US cities that are perfect for a 48-hour weekend getaway
Flagstaff, Arizona
Nicknamed "Flag" by locals, this laid-back mountain town is super cute and approachable, with a historic Wild West downtown that always has something going on. Surrounded by the San Francisco Peaks and situated 7,000 feet above sea level, it's an underrated escape with plenty of nostalgia to be had, thanks, in part, to Route 66.
Even as something of a portal to Grand Canyon National Park and Meteor Crater, many don't appreciate Flagstaff for all it offers, like top-notch skiing at Arizona Snowbowl and amazing stargazing at Lowell Observatory due to its International Dark Sky City designation. There's a solid dining and drinking scene, too, with breweries such as craft beer-focused Mother Road Brewing Company and various casual roadside stops, including Far Out Food.
Where to stay: Book the Courtyard by Marriott Flagstaff for a dog-friendly stay with fire pits and an indoor pool. Rates start from $114 or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: Planning a stargazing expedition? Here's everything you need to know about Dark Sky Places
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Known primarily for its feverish Packers football fans, Green Bay (a destination home to some 106,000 people) is Wisconsin's oldest city and likely its coolest.
The city has been revitalized by a slew of craft breweries, cool coffee shops, locally owned boutiques, supper clubs and restaurants that feel small town in all the best ways. Plus, the residents are beyond friendly and welcoming, making the waterfront city a compelling destination with a strong sense of community.
Outdoor pursuits are aplenty, with popular options including biking the Fox River State Recreational Trail that starts downtown and getting a dose of free thrills at the old-school Bay Beach Amusement Park, an Americana throwback with historic wooden roller coasters.
Where to stay: With 1920s architecture in the heart of downtown, Hotel Northland, Autograph Collection plops you in a perfect place to access breweries, trails, the National Railroad Museum and nearby Door County. Rates start from $155 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
El Paso, Texas
Richly bicultural with storied history to spare, El Paso, on the border of Texas and Mexico, is an often overlooked city with big desert views, world-class hiking (thanks to the Franklin Mountains) and memorable sunsets. It's dubbed "Sun City," but the most indelible moments come when the sun is dropping in a fiery display.
There are lots of surprises waiting to be found, such as a burgeoning arts community — see the El Paso Museum of Art (with free admission) and the Downtown Arts District (home to the popular "Chalk the Block" and "First Friday Art Walk" events) for proof.
Where to stay: Check into Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection, which originally opened in 1912, for a dose of El Paso charm — and a mountain-facing rooftop bar — and proximity to acclaimed dining, including Cafe Central and Elemi Restaurant. Rates start from $170 or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.