The USA is the country where the Irish have flocked to since the Great Famine in the 19th century, and it is no secret just how many people in the US are proud to announce their Irish heritage. Nowadays, the Irish travel to America in huge numbers for far different reasons each summer, in what has become a unique rite of passage. Home to an estimated 318 million people, with 50 states and several unique cities across the board, the US is a country that you can't just visit once.

Here are the top 13 cities in the USA that you must see in your lifetime.

13. San Diego.

120 miles south of L.A, San Diego is immediately adjacent to the border with Mexico and is the birthplace of the state of California. San Diego's Spanish and Mexican heritage is reflected in the many historic sites across the city, and you may remember Ron Burgundy from Anchorman hazarding a guess at what "San Diego" really means. Well, we can definitively confirm that its doesn't mean "Oh whale's vagina," just to clear that up. The city is known for its beautiful landscape and gorgeous beaches by the Pacific Ocean, such is the popularity of surfing there.

12. Honolulu.

Honolulu is the state capital of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu. It is both the southernmost and westernmost major city of the US and gained historical recognition for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor near the city on December 7, 1941. Waikiki is a blossoming tourist destination and home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Honolulu is well worth a visit.


11. Seattle.

Seattle is a coastal seaport cit in the US state of Washington. It is home to some of the best seafood in the country and located in the north-western tip of the country. Home of the highly successful NFL team, Seattle Seahawks and the city of beloved sitcom "Frasier," the Seattle metropolitan area has an estimated 3.6 million inhabitants.

10. New Orleans.

Nicknamed "The Big Easy," New Orleans is famous for its delicious cuisine and connection with music (it is the birthpace of Jazz). The city was established by French colonists and heavily influenced by French and African cultures. It is commonly referred to as one of the most unique cities in the USA, with quite a distinct look and feel.


9. Miami.

Miami is one of America's largest party cities. It is known for its Latin culture and influences, beautiful beaches and awesome parties and annual music festivals, such as Ultra Music Festival. If it looks slightly familiar to you it's because the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" based its city on Miami, including many of the city's different architecture, landmarks and geography in the game.

8. Philadelphia.

When we think Philly, we immediately think cheesesteak. Philadelphia played a major role in the Revolutionary War and acted as the temporary US capital while Washington, D.C, was under construction. If there's one thing you have to do before you die (for any boxing or Rocky film fan) it's run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which have famously become known as the "Rocky Steps." Then you'll feel like a true champion!


7. Boston.

The US city with the biggest connection to Ireland is definitely Boston. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 1630 by English colonists. It is full of rich history with many of key events in the American Revolution occurring in the city, such as the Boston Massacre, Battle of Bunker Hill and the Boston Tea Party. The infamous park bench where Robin Williams and Matt Damon sat in that memorable scene in "Good Will Hunting" has recently been turned into a memorial and tribute to the late actor who passed away last week. Harvard has everything - sports, music, seaside, art and history. You'll never be stuck for something to do in Beantown.

6. San Francisco.

San Francisco is one of the most scenic and culturally-rich cities in the US. The Golden Gate Bridge, the beautiful coastline, Alcatraz Island are all significantly aesthetic points of interest for this California city, and it will always be remembered for its liberal demographic and the powerful movements such as the "hippie" counterculture, Sexual Revolution and Summer of Love.


5. Houston.

Houston is the 4th most populous city in the US. Home to NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston is a bedrock of impressive healthcare and research institutions and only New York is home to more Fortune 500 companies than Houston. It is by far the most impressive of the southern states of America and is well known for its cuisine and practices its state catch phrase: "Everything is Bigger in Texas!"

4. Las Vegas.


What to say about Las Vegas that you don't already know? The city is a spectacular vision and seeing it lit up at night is an extraordinary show. The internationally renown resort city has everything you need to have a good time - gambling, fine dining, shopping and nightlife. Simply put, Sin City is a US destination you must see in your lifetime.

3. Chicago.

The "Windy City" is famous for its beautiful and modern architecture, lively atmosphere, diverse culture and cuisine, and attractive music scene, where blues bars and festivals are a great feature of the city. It rests to the west of one of America's Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, which provides the inland city with some gorgeous man-mad beaches. It gets the two extremes of weather, from boiling hot in the summer to arctic-like snowy winters. You can't go to Chi-town and not devour a deep dish pizza!

2. Los Angeles.


The appeal of Hollywood gives L.A. a neverending influx of tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the celebrity culture and beautiful climate of California's capital city. The Hollywood Hills offer scenic portraits of the city, and it is renown for its partying scene and bustling music scene. It hosts many retro and refurbished bars and clubs where many rock and roll bands played in their formative years, such as Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica to name but a few.

1. New York City.

"The Big Apple" has to be number one on your list because there really is no other city like it. The vast architecture, towering buildings and skyscrapers make you feel like an ant in a city of millions. "The City That Never Sleeps" has several globally recognised landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. A trip to New York City should be top of your list of US cities to see in your lifetime.