Visiting the United States is often like walking through its mythical cities, from New York to San Francisco, or its famous natural sites such as the Grand Canyon. United but nevertheless all different, each of the fifty States offers a very particular vision of this vast territory. Often overlooked or erased in favour of more charismatic cities, state capitals are a good overview of American culture. Did you know that New York was not the capital of the state of... New York? Do you know the capital of California? Petit Futé has selected its ten favourite state capitals for you
10 - Albany in New York State, the unexpected:
If you thought New York was the capital of New York State, think again: it's Albany! The capital and its many cultural assets are often overshadowed by its frenetic big sister. Yet this student city has some of the most prestigious universities in the world. You can also visit the New York State Museum, an excellent museum dedicated to the history of the United States, the American Indians and the sad attacks of September 11, 2001.
9 - Boston, Massachusetts, cradle of the country:
8 - Sacramento, California, the gold rush:
7 - Austin, another face of Texas
Connected, dynamic, technological... There are many adjectives to praise the Texas capital! Like a UFO in the conservative climate of this South American state, Austin is the weirdest - weird - city in the area and claims it in its slogan: Keep Austin weird. After a visit to its Capitol, the largest in the country, you should stroll through its streets to discover its organic or vegetarian shops and restaurants.
6 - Salem in Oregon, an unknown capital :
Not to be confused with the famous Salem, Massachusetts, known for its witch trials, we are talking about Salem, Oregon, on the northwest coast of the United States. Administrative capital of the state since 1851, Salem is home to a capitol built in 1938 (the previous one was ravaged by fire). You will pass through Salem on your way to Eugene or Silver Falls State Park, to hike its Ten Falls Trail
5 - Cheyenne in Wyoming, capital of the Far West:
are still highlighted in an omnipresent western atmosphere. Ranches, saloons and rodeos are part of the scenery here, as is the sumptuous Capitol, a relic of a glorious era. Cheyenne is the ideal capital to immerse yourself in the culture of the West
4 - Baton Rouge, in the heart of Louisiana:
In the shadow of New Orleans, Baton Rouge is indeed the capital of Louisiana. Its 137 m high capitol, the highest in the United States, proudly bears witness to this and offers an incomparable view of the city and the Mississippi. A cultural break in the Louisiana State Museum is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Louisiana's culture, from its plantations to its traditional music
3 - Atlanta, Georgia, the American excess
Atlanta is thinking big. Georgia's largest city, it is home to one of the world's largest aquariums and the offices of one of the largest media: CNN. And let's not forget that this is where one of the best-selling sparkling drinks of all time is located: Coca-Cola. It takes time to apprehend and love the capital of Georgia, but its cultural effervescence sooner or later seduces all visitors!
2 - Santa Fe in New Mexico, Pueblo-capital
In Santa Fe, no oversized buildings: the city has been protected since 1957 by a municipal decision stipulating that all buildings must respect adobe architecture, made of dried stone. What a sweet impression when you enter the capital of New Mexico! While strolling, you can discover the oldest church in the United States, the San Miguel chapel, built in 1625, but also the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the work of French religious
1 - Honolulu in Hawaii, a paradisiacal capital
Hawaii, the only state outside the North American continent, emerged in the middle of the North Pacific. Located on the island of Oahu, its capital, Honolulu, is a concentration of all the beauties of the archipelago. Waikiki and its white sandy beach is one of the most emblematic districts of the city. For a historic stopover, head to Pearl Harbor where the famous battle that precipitated the entry of the United States into the Second World War took place
