6. Austin, Texas
One of the fastest-growing cities in all of the United States, Austin has quickly become Texas’ version of Silicon Valley. Travelers making the pilgrimage to this burgeoning southern metropolis can expect a vibrant cultural scene, replete with excellent live music, bountiful barbecue, tantalizing taco trucks, and ample outdoor activities ranging from hiking and kayaking to leisurely strolls through green spaces and dips in public swimming holes.